LINCOLN  ROOM 

UNIVERSITY  OF  ILLINOIS 
LIBRARY 


MEMORIAL 

the  Class  of  1901 

founded  by 

HARLAN  HOYT  HORNER 

and 

HENRIETTA  CALHOUN  HORNER 


1[n  flDcnionam 


^^^.^/^ 


IFn  flDemonam 


Frederic  Walker  Lincoln 


BOSTON 
I'K  I  VATK  I.V     I'l!  I  N  TK  I) 

1  s  '.I ;) 


flocktotll  ana  il'burcbill  i'rcss 

BOSTON 


p 


AT  the  earnest  solicitation  of  friends  the  following  col- 
lection of  facts,  incidents,  and  thoughts  has  been 
compiled,  with  the  hope  that  it  mav  help  to  perpetuate  my 
father's  influence  and  memory,  in  showing  to  others  the 
high  principles  which  alwavs  governed  his  actions  and  made 
his  life  such  a  complete  and  useful  one.  It  falls  far  short, 
however,  of  what  it  ought  to  be,  to  faithfiilly  portray  his 
thoroughly  unselfish  character.  There  are  no  records  of 
the  dailv  acts  of  kindness  and  readv  svmpathv  which  he 
bestowed  upon  those  with  whom  he  came  in  contact,  which 
made  for  him  innumerable  friends  and  endeared  him  to 
people  from  all  ranks  in  life.  It  was  the  fbrgetfulness  of 
self  that  enabled  him  to  be  never  wearv  in  well  doing  ; 
and  trust  in  his  Heavenlv  Father  gave  him  the  strength  to 
fulfil   his  duties. 

MARY    KNIGHT    LINCOLN. 
Rrookline,  i8qq. 


(5) 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCH 


FREDERIC   WALKER   LINCOLN. 


Frederic  Walker  Lincoln  was  born  in  Boston,  in 
a  house  on  Hanover  street,  the  twenty-seventh  day  of 
Febraar\',  1817,  and  baptized  July  27  in  the  same  year, 
by  Llenry  Ware,  Jr.,  then  commencing  his  ministry  to 
the  Second  Church,  of  which  Mr,  Lincoln  was  all  his  life 
a  member  and  active  worker.  He  came  from  sound 
Puritan  stock,  being  a  descendant  of  Samuel  Lincoln,  one 
of  the  early  settlers  of  the  town  of  Hinghara,  Mass.,  in 
1637. 

We  quote  the  following  from  "  Uepresentative  Men  " : 

"  The  name  of  Lincoln  has  been  borne  by  a  long  list  of 
men,  both  prominent  in  State  and  national  affairs.  Gen. 
Benjamin  Lincoln  would  possibly  stand  out  as  a  leader  in 
llevolutionary  days,  and  the  martyred  president,  Abraham 
Lincoln,  of  those  of  a  more  recent  period.  From  1630  to 
1635  there  were  four  Thomas  Lincolns  who  came  to  this 
country."  The  son  of  one  of  these  Thomas's,  Samuel, 
settled  in  Hingliam  and  had  four  sons,  Samuel,  Daniel, 
Mordecai,  and  Thomas.  Frederic  W.  l^incoln  is  a  descend- 
ant of  the  second  Samuel,  who  was  a  soldier  in  the  Nar- 
raganset  War,  and  President  Abraham  Lincoln  comes 
from  the  latter's  brother,  Mordecai. 

"Levi  Lincoln,  attorney-general  of  the  United  States, 
and  once   acting   governor    of   Massachusetts,  and  Levi 


10  MKMoniAL     OF 

Liiiti)lii.  .Ir.,  wlio  was  o()\eiii()i-  of  the  same  for  nine 
years,  as  well  as  Enoch  Lincoln,  who  was  governor  of 
Maine,  were  all  of  the  same  line." 

Samuel's  son,  Jedidiah.  had  a  son  Enoch,  whose  son 
Amos  was  the  grandfather  of  the  subject  of  this  sketch. 
Amos  was  luaii  in  Iliiigham,  Mardi  18.  17")4,  and  at  the 
age  of  fourteen  came  to  Boston  as  an  apprentice  to  Mr. 
Crafts.  In  1773,  at  the  age  of  nineteen,  he  assisted  in 
the  destruction  of  the  tea  in  Boston  Harbor.  I>efore  he 
was  twenty-oue  Mr.  ("rafts  released  him  from  his  obliga- 
tion as  an  apprentice  in  consequence  of  his  ardent  desire 
to  enter  the  service  of  his  country.  Amos  was  in  tlie 
army  from  that  time  until  it  was  disbanded.  He  served 
in  the  battle  of  Bunker  Hill  attached  to  Stark's  regiment ; 
also  in  the  actions  at  Bennington,  Brandywdne,  and  Mon- 
mouth. He  received  a  commission  as  captain  of  artillery, 
and  at  one  time  was  aid  to  Governor  Hancock.  In  1777 
he  was  in  the  regiment  under  Col.  Thomas  Crafts. 

Amos  married  a  daughter  of  Paul  Revere,  and  was  con- 
nected with  him  in  many  of  those  acts  which  have  given 
to  the  Boston  Sons  of  Liberty  so  much  historical  renown. 
,Vt  the  close  of  the  war  he  returned  to  his  business  as 
carpenter  ami  was  master-workman  at  the  erection  of 
the  State  House  on  Beacon  Hill  in  Boston.  Amos  died 
in  (»)uincy,  Jan.  1"),  1829,  aged  seventy-five  years. 

Louis,  the  son  of  Amos,  was  born  in  Boston,  March  4, 
1787,  and  married  Mary  Hathorne  Knight,  Nov.  26,  1815. 
She  died  in  May,  1825,  and  he  passed  away  in  Charles- 
town  in  1827  at  the  age  of  forty  years,  thus  leaving  his 
son  Frederic,  then  about  ten  years  of  age.  and  his 
daughter  Harriet  orphans,  under  the  care  of  their  uncle. 


FUKDKIUC     ir.lLA'/;/.'     Ll\(()L\.  11 

Col.  Frederic  W.  Liiu-olu,  of  Canton,  for  whom  Frederic 
■was  named. 

Frederic  was  sent  to  boarding-school  at  Stoug-hton, 
where  he  remained  until  he  was  thirteen  years  old ;  he 
was  then  entered  as  an  apprentice  to  Mr.  Gedney  King, 
a  well-known  maker  of  mathematical  instruments,  and  a 
highly  respected  citizen.  After  having  completed  the 
term  of  his  service,  which  was  distinguished  by  fidelity 
and  industry,  he  commenced  business  on  his  own  account 
in  1839  on  Commercial  street,  being  then  twenty-two 
years  of  age,  building  up  one  of  the  best  and  most  suc- 
cessful establishments  in  this  country  for  the  manufact- 
ure and  sale  of  mathematical  apparatus. 

It  was  written  of  him  by  one  who  knew  him  in  his 
early  3-ears  that  '•  he  was  a  sterling  youth ;  amiable  in 
his  manners,  correct  in  his  habits,  steady  and  efficient  in 
his  application  to  his  master's  service  during  business 
hours,  and  remarkable  for  the  good  use  he  made  of  his 
own  time.  Even  wbile  still  an  apprentice  he  was  re- 
spected for  his  well-balanced  mind  and  many  manly  qual- 
ities. His  thirst  after  useful  knowledge  led  liim  to  become 
a  member  of  the  Mechanic  Apprentices'  Library  Associa- 
tion, and  to  employ  to  the  best  advantage  its  educational 
privileges.  At  eighteen  years  of  age  he  became  president 
of  the  said  Association,  and  labored  intelligently,  with  a 
few  congenial  spirits,  to  multiply  the  benefits  of  that 
admirable  institution,  and  several  of  its  best  features  owe 
their  origin  to  those  efforts. 

"'We  mention  these  things  to  illustrate  how  true  it  is 
that  '  the  child  is  father  to  the  man."  'Prentice  hand 
as  he   was,   the  little   lad  of    the   Lil)rary  has  made    the 


12  MKMOIllAL     or 

UKiytJi'  i»r  our  gic-at  cily.  Mr.  Lincoln  was  proniinunl 
afterwards  in  establishing  the  Boston  Lyceum,  the  Young 
Men's  Benevolent  Society,  etc..  and  ijuiL'tly  distinguisiied 
himself  by  his  labors  to  ameliorate  and  improve  the  con- 
dition of  the  poor  and  uneducated.'" 

While  yet  a  lad  he  contributed  to  the  paper  of  the 
Mechanic  Apprentices'  Library  Association  an  article 
which  gave  so  much  gratification  to  his  employer  that 
he  rewarded  the  effort  by  a  gift  of  twenty-five  dollars, 
which  the  young  writer  presented  to  the  Association. 

We  learn  from  his  own  journal  that  during  the  years 
1838-1839,  being  then  twent3--one  and  twenty-two  years 
of  age,  he  attended  lectures  nearly  every  evening,  and  his 
journal  gives  a  short  synopsis  of  what  he  heard,  showing 
his  attention  and  thought.  He  attended  an  elocution 
class,  a  class  in  book-keeping,  and  meetings  of  associations 
in  which  he  was  interested,  and  every  Sunda}-  twice  a 
day  and  sometimes  three  times  he  attended  church,  being 
deeply  interested  in  the  thoughts  received  from  the  ser- 
mons. 

At  the  age  of  twenty-one  he  became  a  Sunday-school 
teacher  connected  with  the  Second  Church,  and  secretary 
of  the  school,  retaining  his  intei'est  there  for  many  years, 
taking  the  position  of  superintendent  in  184t>  and  holding 
it  thirty  years. 

While  a  youth  oi  twenty-one  he  delivered  an  address 
before  the  Mechanic  Apprentices'  Library  Assoeiation,  a 
large  audience  being  present.  This  probably  was  his  first 
public  address.  He  was  made  honorary  member  of  the 
Library  Association,  chairman  of  the  committee  of 
Fourth  of  July  celebration,  and  presided  at  the  dinner 


FREDERIC    WALKER    LINCOLN.  13 

given  on  that  day.  Also  at  this  period  lie  wi'ote  occa- 
sionall}'  for  tlie  press.  He  was  on  the  Standing  Committee 
of  the  Young  Men"s  Benevolent  Society,  and  correspond- 
ing secretary  of  the  Social  Union.  In  1840  he  Avas  urged 
to  be  its  president,  but  declined.  Afterwards,  however, 
he  became  vice-president. 

On  the  first  page  of  a  new  journal  commenced  at  this 
time,  and  to  which  we  are  indebted  for  an  account  of  his 
life  during  the  next  few  years,  is  the  following: 

"  Boston,  Aug.  1,  1839.  —  The  book  in  which  I  com- 
menced keeping  a  diary  having  been  written  through,  I 
continue  the  practice  with  this  new  book.  I  believe  it 
has  been  an  advantage  to  me ;  it  has  made  me  less  prodi- 
gal of  time  and  more  impressed  with  the  importance  of 
its  right  use.  The  very  act  at  the  close  of  the  day  of  de- 
voting a  few  moments  to  its  reconsideration  must  have  a 
beneficial  though  perhaps  an  imperceptible  effect.  Merely 
as  a  book  of  reference  it  is  of  consequence,  and  may  at 
some  time  be  of  great  importance.  It  will  be  interesting 
in  coming  years,  not  only  as  a  record  of  facts,  but  as  data 
fi'om  which  I  can,  from  time  to  time,  measure  n\j  prog- 
ress in  the  formation  of  character  towards  the  perfect 
standard  of  a  true  man. 

"  In  speaking  of  my  character  perhaps  it  would  be  well 
to  give  myself  a  brief  outline.  I  tliink  it  has  improved  (as 
indeed  it  ought)  within  the  last  two  3^ears.  This  journal 
has  been  hinted  at  as  having  effected  this  in  part ;  my  con- 
nection with  the  Sunday-school  has  done  more,  and  its  part 
has  been  more  important,  as  its  sphere  has  been  the  moral 
and  religious.  I  grow  more  liberal  in  my  views,  and 
endeavor,  as  far  as  possible,  to  l)e  unswayed  liy  prejudice 


14  MEMOUIAL    OF 

''  In  politics  I  hold  to  tiit-  geiienil  opinions  of  the  Whig 
part}-,  although  strongly  biassed  in  favor  of  deniocrac}'. 
So  far  as  happiness  is  concerned  I  enjoy  much,  although  my 
situation  is  not  such  as  I  could  desire,  having  coniiuenced 
business  recently  ;  the  result  is  as  yet  a  riddle,  although 
now  it  seems  pretty  fair. 

"An  advantage  of  journalizing  is  that  it  leads  to  system 
in  the  ways  of  life.  A  man  of  method  and  system  can 
accomplish  twice  the  amount  of  one  without  it,  although 
blessed  witli  more  splendid  talents.'" 

In  September,  1839,  he  became  a  member  of  the  Mass- 
achusetts Charitable  Mechanic  Association. 

Among  the  many  lectures  which  he  attended,  those  l)v 
Emerson  interested  him  very  much.  Also  a  course  given 
by  Mr.  Simmons  upon  Shakespeare. 

Sliowing  the  many  different  subjects  which  attracted 
his  attention,  we  will  give  from  his  journal  what  he  has 
written  of  a  few  of  the  lectures  he  attended  within  two 
weeks  ;  ever}-  week  for  several  years  during  the  winter 
season  was  occupied  in  much  the  same  manner. 

"  Evt'iiiuii.  —  At  the  Temple  Lecture,  by  Dr.  Smith,  on 
the  '  Former  Inhabitants  of  this  Country,' of  those  who 
existed  previous  to  the  Indians,  a  race  far  superior  to 
them.  He  thought  they  came  to  this  continent  alxuit  the 
time  of  Joshua's  entering  the  Holy  Land,  at  which  time 
there  was  great  commotion  throughout  the  nations  on  the 
Globe.  The  Indians,  he  thought,  Avcre  descended  from 
the  Tartars.  The  lecture  was  interesting.  He  had  some 
specimens  of  pottery  found  in  the  West. 

"  Eveninrj.  —  Lecture  before  the  Mechanic  Association, 
bv  Dr.  Webster,  on   the   •  Solidilieation  of  Carbonic   Acid 


FREDERIC    WALKER     LINCOLN,  IT) 

Gas.'     Later  the  same  evening  attended  Social  Meeting, 
at  which  a  paper  was  read. 

"  Thursdan  Evenin;/.  —  J^ecture  before  Mechanic  Ap- 
prentices' library  Association,  b}^  John  C.  Parks  ;  snbject, 
'The  Sohliers  of  Rome,  of  France,  and  the  United 
States.' 

"  Sunday  morning,  at  church,  Mr.  Kobbins  preached 
from  tlie  text,  'Lead  us  not  into  temptation.'  One  of 
his  best.  The  introductory  remarks  were  on  prayer.  He 
thought  many  prayed  too  much  ;  there  was  not  enough  of 
Christian  action.  Many  would  make  earnest  prayers,  but 
they  did  little  themselves  towards  accomplishing  that  for 
which  they  prayed.  It  is  well  to  humble  ourselves 
towards  God,  but  it  is  better  to  have  the  proper  spirit  to 
exert  all  the  abilities  He  has  given  for  ourselves  and 
fellows-men.  At  Sunday-school  Mr.  Adams  made  his 
farewell  remarks  as  superintendent. 

"  Afternoon,  Mr.  Young  preached.  Text,  '  Be  not  con- 
formed to  the  World;'  quite  a  practical  discourse. 
Spoke  of  the  embarrassment  of  the  times  ;  laid  them  to  the 
extravagance  of  the  people.  Evening  went  with  Clap[) 
and  heard  Mr.  Gray  at  his  church  on  Sunday-schools. 

"  Friday  Evening.  —  Meeting,  Society  Religious  Im- 
provement, at  Mr.  Frothingham's ;  subject,  '  How  far 
Ought  we  to  Regard  the  Opinion  of  Others.'  Very  good 
meeting. 

"  Monday  Eveniny.  —  At  the  hall  of  the  House  of 
Representatives,  a  meeting  ot  the  Whig  members  to 
receive  Daniel  Webster  on  his  return  from  Europe. 
President  of  the  meeting  addressed  him,  to  Avhom  lie 
replied  in  a  very  tine  speech.     Tremendous  crowd. 


1«)  MEMORIAL     OF 

••  Tiiexilaii  Evening. —  Sunday-school  teachers'  meeting. 

•'  Wedneitday  IJvenin)/.  —  Heard  J>.  H.  Thatcher  before 
the  Mechanic  Association;  subject  of  his  last  lecture  con- 
tinued, the  practical  uses  of  science,  with  a  notice,  at  the 
close,  of  the  history  of  Meclianics"  Institutions.  After- 
wards went  down  to  the  Franklin  dcl)ate. 

'••  TJiiirxilaij  Evciiin;/.  —  Attended  a  lectuie  by  I)i'. 
Channing  before  the  Library.  Subject,  '  The  Elevation 
of  the  Laboring  Classes.'  He  commenced  by  remarking 
upon  the  novelty  of  the  occasion  and  the  meeting.  Much 
is  justly  said  of  the  influence  of  machinery  in  distinguish- 
ing the  present  age,  but  the  fact  of  an  association  com- 
posed of  mechanic  apprentices  whose  bond  of  union  was 
a  lil)rary  meeting,  weekly,  to  improve  themselves  in 
knowledge,  was  a  much  more  hopeful  sight  for  the  cause 
of  humanity.  The  fact  of  the  first  minds  in  the  community 
lecturing  before  such  an  association  was  in  itself  the  com- 
mencement of  a  new  era.  He  first  spoke  of  what  he  did 
not  mean  by  the  elevating  of  the  lal)oring  classes.  He  did 
iu)t  mean  that  they  should  leave  off  labor  (he  here  paid 
a  fine  eulogium  upon  labor),  he  did  not  want  them  to 
aspire  to  a  rank  in  the  artificial  distinctions  of  society. 
neither  to  political  offices.  There  must  be  a  previous 
elevation  to  niakt'  a  man  bear  himself  properly  in  a  pul)- 
lic  station.  Its  holder  should  never  consider  it  for  the 
gratification  of  pride  or  personal  vanity  or  aggrandize- 
ment, but  its  i)urj)()se  was  to  become  the  servant  of  the 
people.  It  was  too  much  the  ambition  of  our  people  to 
seek  political  notoriety.  The  narrow  [)ivjudices  of  party 
were  liaj)pily  alluded  to.  Man  had  a  liirccfold  nature:  if 
tlic   plivsiciil    was  alone  exercised,  he   was   robl)i'd   of  his 


PREDEIUC     WALKER    LINCOLN.  17 

dearest  rights  and  privileges,  the  intellectual  and  inoial. 
The  product  of  civilization  was  a  division  of  labor,  this 
gave  perfection  to  all,  and  was  the  means  of  accomplish- 
ing much  more. 

"  Tlu'  true  elevation  of  the  laboring  classes  could  only 
be  attained  by  the  elevation  of  Soul.  He  defined  his 
meaning  in  elocjuent  and  beautiful  language.  He  spoke 
of  the  force  of  thought,  of  its  purity,  etc.  He  defined 
conscience  as  being  the  highest  wisdom,  the  result  of  our 
unbiassed  reason.  The  elevation  of  Soul  could  be  attained 
bj'  the  contemplation  of  God,  of  man,  of  nature  ;  this  was 
within  the  ability  of  every  one. 

"  This  subject  is  to  be  continued  in  a  succeeding  lect- 
ure. Such  lectures  as  these  make  one  feel  how  impor- 
tant is  life,  what  a  spirit  is  in  man,  how  noble  his 
prerogatives,  how  sublime  is  principle,  how  narrow,  sor- 
did, and  mean  are  the  petty  concerns  of  this  world  and 
its  vanities.  It  gave  general  satisfaction,  as  everything 
from  this  justly  celebrated  divine  always  does." 

Perhaps  these  extracts  from  Mr.  Lincoln's  journal  are 
sufficient  to  show  the  influences  which  were  working- 
constantly  upon  his  thought,  and  with  what  earnestness 
he  was  striving  to  live  the  life  of  a  good  man. 

In  1838  his  sister  Harriet  became  engaged,  and  after- 
wards married,  to  Dr.  Ezra  Abbott,  the  much  Ijeloved 
physician  of  Canton,  Mass.  From  the  time  the  two 
children  were  left  orphans,  Harriet  had  lived  in  the 
home  of  her  uncle,  Col.  Frederic  W.  Lincoln,  of  Bos- 
ton and  Canton.  In  summer  F'rederic  went  often  to 
Canton,  either  by  stage,  in  cars,  on  horseback,  or  driv- 
ing, to  spend  a  Sunday  or  holiday  at    his   uncle's,    or 


18  MEMOIUAL     OF 

latei-  at  liis  sister's.  To  this  sister  he  was  devotcfUv 
attached. 

In  February,  1840,  wlien  he  was  not  ([uite  tweiity-threi' 
years  of  age,  he  attended,  at  Deacon  Grant's,  "a  meeting 
of  hidies  and  gentlemen  delegates  oi' distrihutois  from  the 
benevolent  society.  Quite  an  interesting  meeting."  He 
was  appointed  the  committee  for  Ward  2. 

In  his  journal,  at  an  earlier  date,  there  are  also  items 
made  showing  what  was  a  strong  characteristic  through 
life,  his  sympathetic  desire  and  earnest  efforts  always  to 
help  the  poor  and  unfortunate.  His  heart  was  large  and 
most  generous,  and  the  calls  upon  it  great.  He  could 
never  bear  to  say  "  No,"  and  seldom  did,  to  any  call  for 
aid,  and  through  life  his  generosity  and  confidence  in 
others  often  brought  to  him  personal  financial  loss. 
While  he  lost  much  by  those  who  could  not  repay  him, 
no  one  ever  lost  l)y  him,  and  he  never  expressed  regret  at 
the  help  he  gave,  no  matter  what  the  consequence  to  him- 
self. To  him  the  pleasure  of  having  was  giving,  and  to 
every  good  cause  his  purse  was  readily  opened. 

In  1840  liis  journal  shows  he  made  frequent  addresses  ; 
one  on 

"  Fehrnarjj  "12d^  JSveninf/.  —  Anniversary  of  the  Ap- 
prentices' Library  at  the  Temple  ;  full  house.  Address 
by  Cushing  and  poem  by  Cambell.  Addressed  the  meet- 
ing afterwards. 

"■  Februari/  'IlfJi.  —  To-day  completed  my  twenty-third 
year;  am  in  good  health  and  spirits  and  a  fair  prospect 
of  a  hapj)y  life."  About  this  time  he  often  attends  the 
Whig  Association;  and  on  .hily  18th  is  much  intcicstcd 
in    the     pre])arations     to    receive     the     ICnglish    sU'an)er 


FREDERIC     WALKER    LINCOLN.  19 

"  Britannia."'  the  liist  of  the  Canard  Liiu',  on  her  arrival 
at  9.30  in  the  evening,  amid  iiring  of  salutes,  illumina- 
tions, etc. 

April  ISth.  —  "  Saturday  evening  at  home,  preparing 
for  the  morrow :  liave  been  troubled  for  tlie  last  few 
weeks  with  a  bad  cough;  have  fears  that  it  has  seated 
itself  upon  my  lungs.  Have  thouglit  much  of  death 
lately  and  of  a  preparation  for  that  change.  Would 
like  to  live,  but  have  an  impression  my  days  are  short 
upon  the  earth.  It  comes  sooner  or  later  to  all,  and 
it  is  my  endeavor  so  to  live  that  when  called  to  pay 
the  debt  to  nature  it  may  be  as  tranquil  as  possible. 
This  is  written  not  under  an}-  despondency  of  mind,  for 
I  feel  as  cheerful  now  as  I  ever  did,  and  am  as  much 
engrossed  in  every-day  affairs  as  I  ever  was,  but  look 
upon  myself  and  destiny  with  reason  and  calmness. 
Departed  friends,  where  ai't  thou  ?  " 

The  next  day,  Sunday,  he  attended  Sunday-school  and 
church  morning  and  afternoon,  with  a  pleasant  evening 
at  his  uncle's,  and  never  a  word  more  about  his  cough. 
We  will  give  one  week  from  his  journal  in  1840. 

'■'•May  17,  1810. — Sunday  morning  at  school.  At 
church  Mr.  Hall,  of  Dorchester,  preached  all  da}-.  In  the 
morning  a  discourse  appropriate  to  spring.  Afternoon, 
from  the  text  '  Follow  not  the  multitude  to  do  un- 
righteousness.' After  church  called  on  a  friend  with 
Mr.  George  W.  Bond.  The  day  has  been  an  exceedingly 
delightful  one,  warm,  corresponding  to  all  the  beautiful 
ideas  with  which  the  finest  writers  have  clothed  this 
season  of  the  year,  and  yet  one  of  those  which  to  my 
own  mind  brings  but  little  satisfaction.     Upon  such  days 


■20  MEMOniAL     OF 

when  all  nature  appears  to  l)e  in  its  best  mood,  a  void,  a 
longing  for  I  know  not  what,  takes  possession  of  my 
soul.  My  own  feelings  do  not  correspond  with  that  of 
the  outward  world,  and  I  feel  life  is  without  an  (jbject. 
Society,  I  believe,  demands  more  of  u)}-  sympathies,  but 
1  am  diffident  about  introducing  myself  more  into 
its  midst.  Evening  called  ui)on  Mr.  Poor  and  Mrs. 
King. 

"  Monday  Evening.  —  Social  meeting  of  the  Union  at 
our  house;  read  a  paper  which  1  edited  in  behalf  of  a 
committee. 

'■''Tuesday  Evening. — At  circus  in  Milk  street;  was 
much  pleased  Avith  the  performance. 

"  Wednesday  Evening.  —  Meeting  in  the  vestry,  subject, 
^  The  Atonement.' 

"  Thur^daii  Evening.  —  Meeting  of  the  committee  on  the 
Social  Union  Anniversary  at  home. 

'•'■  Friday  Evening. — Meeting  of  Society  for  Religious 
Improvement,  at  Mr.  Daniels'  ;  very  fine  and  interest- 
ing meeting.  Subject,  '  Prayers.'  Principal  part  of  the 
evening  occupied  on  the  question  :  Are  our  prayers 
answered?  Also  the  inquiry.  Should  we  pray  for  tem- 
poral blessings?" 

From  February,  1888,  to  Nov.  16,  1840,  Mr.  Lincoln 
lived  in  a  l)()arding-house  with  several  other  young  men, 
but  at  the  latter  date  he  desired  a  change,  and  his  journal 
speaks  of  it  in  the  following  manner: 

"  November  16,  Monday.  —  Removed  my  boarding-place 
from  Mrs.  P.'s  to  Mr.  Daniels'.  Have  been  with  Mrs.  P. 
since  I  was  of  age,  the  last  of  February,  1838.  Have 
been  much  interested  in  th(>  familv  and  well  contented. 


FREDERIC    WALKER    LINCOLN.  21 

but  wish  for  a  change ;  wish  to  tiy  a  [)iivate  family,  and 
make  myself  more  domestic. 

"  November  26.  —  Thanksgiving  Day.  Morning  at 
church.  Mr.  Robhins  preached  an  excellent  discourse. 
Dined  at  Charlestown.  Afternoon  rolled  nine-pins  with 
Rhoades,  Baker,  Nelson,  and  others.  Evening  spent 
with  J.  Rhoades.  As  a  whole  have  passed  the  day  pleas- 
antly although  not  enjojdng  any  of  those  family  sympa- 
thies and  associations  which  hallow  the  day  to  most 
people,  have  no  parental  hearthstone  to  gather  upon  and 
with  sweet  friends  to  exchange  the  tokens  of  love.  Am 
thrown  by  Providence  mostly  upon  my  own  resources 
for  happiness  and  success  in  life.  Have  reason  to  be 
thankful,  however,  for  numerous  blessings  and  do  not 
repine  at  my  lot.  My  prospects  in  business,  etc.,  I  con- 
sider much  better  than  they  were  a  year  ago  to-da}^" 

December  26,  1840,  Mr.  Lincoln  was  appointed  treas- 
urer of  the  Young  Men's  Benevolent  Society,  which  office 
he  held  for  over  forty  years. 

In  order  to  show  the  character  of  the  organization  we 
copy  fi'om  a  report  of  the  society  the  following : 

'•'  It  has  strong  claims  upon  all  young  men.  In  their  full 
vigor  of  mind  and  body  they  are,  in  a  great  measure,  superior 
to  the  accidents  which  befall  the  rest  of  mankind.  Is  it  not 
their  duty,  then,  to  give  what  assistance  they  are  able  to  the 
old  and  infirm,  the  sick  and  the  deserted,  who,  perhaps  no 
less  deserving,  have  been  less  fortunate  than  themselves  ? 
Tlie  society  is  not  sectarian.  It  is  not  sectional.  Its  mem- 
bers are  from  all  denominations ;  its  objects  are  found  in 
every  ward  of  the  city." 

"  December  31,    Thursday.  —  Early  part  of  the  evening 


22  MEMORIAL     OF 

at  cliuicli,  wlieie  Mr.  I\ol)])i!is  preached  a  ver\'  fine  dis- 
course appropriate  to  the  chise  of  the  year.  Text,  *  Go 
up  higher.'  Spent  the  remainder  of  the  evening  at  Mrs. 
S.,  where  was  a  small  party  to  commemorate  the  occasion. 
Thus  has  closed  the  year  1840,  to  me  not  marked  in  its 
progress  by  any  remarkable  event.  In  my  business  rela- 
tions, have  a  much  better  prospect  than  at  the  close  of  the 
last  year ;  feel  now  that  soon  I  shall  be  on  a  good  founda- 
tion and  shall  enjoy  competence  if  not  wealth.  Must 
pmctise  economy  and  frugality,  the  only  methods  to  en- 
sure success.  My  reputation  I  believe  is  good,  and  char- 
acter stands  fair.  My  health  is  good,  and  I  enter  upon  a 
new  year  with  fervent  thanks  for  the  many  blessings  given 
me." 

During  the  coming  months  he  attended  many  lectures, 
as  formerly  :  a  coui-se  by  Dr.  Walker  upon  •*  Natural  Relig- 
ions," which  attracted  much  interest  in  the  community, 
and  one  by  Dr.  Gannet  upon  "  The  Unitarian  Idea  of 
God :  "  also  ]Mr.  Hedge's  lecture  upon  ''  The  Diffusion 
of  Useful  Knowledge." 

'•  Februari/  27,  1841.  —  This  day  attained  my  twenty- 
fourth  birthday.  Do  not  feel  like  making  any  reflections 
upon  the  event.  My  situation  in  life  is  not  such  as  I 
could  wish,  but  have  made  up  my  mind  to  be  content ; 
each  one  has  aspirations  which  never  will  be  realized,  and 
has  cares  and  troubles,  and  it  is  a  peculiar  situation  known 
oid}^  to  himself.  My  second  year  in  business  has  resulted 
a  little  more  favorably  than  the  fii-st,  but  does  not  justify 
my  reasonable  anticipations.  My  habits  of  life  are  some- 
what changed  ;  have  become  domesticated  in  Mr.  Daniels' 
family,  and  gain  much  enjoyment  in  that  relation." 


FREDERIC    WALKER    TANCOLN.  23 

His  life-long  friend,  James  Tolman.  roomed  there  witli 
him,  and  Mrs.  Daniels  took  a  deep  and  motherl}'-  interest 
in  ''her  two  boys,"  for  which  they  were  ever  grateful, 
and  in  retnrn  gave  to  her  their  wai-m  affection. 

"  April  20,  1841.  —  The  day  set  apart  by  the  cit}' 
authorities  for  the  funeral  solemnities  of  President  Har- 
rison.    Acted  as  marshal  to  the  Mechanic  Association. 

'•''  September^  1841.  On  openinfi  a  neiv  journal.  The 
occasion  affords  an  opportunity  to  say  a  few  words  upon 
my  condition  and  prospects,  to  take  an  observation  of 
my  situation  upon  the  sea  of  life,  to  see  whether  I  am 
progressing  or  retrograding  in  any  respect,  and  to  form 
perhaps  new  plans  for  the  future.  And  first  of  all,  as  to 
what  is  engaging  most  of  my  time  and  attention  :  my 
business.  Have  thought  much  about  it  lately,  am  dis- 
satisfied, disappointed,  sick  at  heart,  hardly  dare  look 
forward  to  the  future,  as  there  appears  to  be  so  little 
prospect  of  success.  Anxious  to  change  my  business, 
yet  want  of  capital  and  experience  debars  me  from  think- 
ing seriously  of  such  a  project,  and  yet  comparatively 
doing  notliing  now.  Regret  that  I  commenced  and  still 
more  that  I  spent  a  portion  of  life  in  its  acquisition 
which  might  have  been  better  employed.  I  do  not  blame 
myself  or  any  one  else,  but  all  to  be  attributed  to  un- 
fortunate circumstances.  The  theme  is  a  sad  one  and  I 
will  not  continue  it. 

"  My  character,  as  far  as  I  am  able  to  judge,  has  not 
altered  much  for  a  number  of  years.  It  has  not  improved 
as  it  should.  Naturally  indolent,  I  have  not  made  use  of 
such  opportunities  as  I  have  been  favored  with  for  the 
elevation  of  ray  head  or  heart.     In  fact,  I   feel  that  my 


24  MEMORIAL     OF 

intellectual  abilities  are  not  so  good  comparatively  as 
thev  were  tliree  or  four  years  since.  The  reason  is,  per- 
haps, I  am  not  now  engaged  in  tiiose  literary  associations 
which  once  called  for  their  exercise.  I  have  my  i)ropor- 
tion  of  fair-weather  friends,  and  feel  that  I  am  resiiected 
as  HiUL'li  as  my  worth  has  cause,  even  more  so.  Am 
pleasantly  situated  in  my  l)oarding  arrangements. 

'•■  Jiuiuary  -lb,  1842.  —  Went  to  the  State  House  to  an 
anti-slavery  meeting  and  heard  Wendell  Philips,  Doug- 
lass, a  refugee  slave,  and  others  speak. 

'■'  February  8.  —  At  Dr.  Walker's  lecture,  afterwards  at 
Mr.  Robbins",  a  meeting  of  gentlemen  to  take  measures 
regarding  the  formation  of  an  auxiliary  to  the  Unitarian 
Association." 

During  the  winter  Mr.  Lincoln  enjoyed  more  social 
occasions  and  concerts  than  formerly,  but  still  many 
lectures  and  religious  meetings. 

"  March  4.  —  A'estry  meeting  at  Dr.  Bobbins'.  There 
is  at  this  time  a  good  deal  of  religious  excitement  in 
the  city.  An  effort  is  made  to  introduce  much  of  the 
system  of  other  denominations  into  <>ur  own,  such  as 
prayer-meetings,  etc.  Of  its  beneficial  influence  I  am 
rather  sceptical.  I  am  confident,  however,  that  meet^ 
in<Ts  of  this  character,  if  iudiciouslv  conducted,  may 
do  much  good,  if  we  use  them  as  instruments  rather 
than  tlie  end.  The  great  object  of  life  is  to  live,  not  to 
talk  about  living.  Live  in  the  present,  do  our  duty  now, 
and  we  shall  have  no  fears  of  the  future.  We  attend 
meetings  like  those  of  the  present.  The  remarks  of  our 
friends,  the  sympathy  we  feel  in  each  other,  the  very 
atmosphere    of    the    room  seems  redolent  of  purity  and 


FREDEETC    WALKEIi     LINCOLN.  25 

holiness ;  we  enjoy  the  sentiments,  we  are  perhaps  in 
ecstasies  and  perhaps  our  feelings  prompt  us  to  speak, 
and  yet  after  all  it  a[)pears  to  me  this  is  not  religion. 
The  same  sentiment  is  inspired  by  external  objects :  an 
ancient  cathedral,  its  lofty  arches,  its  paintings,  its  taste, 
its  associations  hallowed  by  time,  the  graves  of  the  dead 
around  and  about  it  with  its  monuments  to  say  they  once 
were,  the  solemn  tones  of  the  organ  as  it  steals  upon  our 
enraptured  ears,  these  inspire  the  same  feelings,  and  we 
feel  humbled  and  abashed  in  the  presence  of  a  higher 
power.  But  we  go  out  of  the  cathedral,  we  go  out  of  the 
room,  we  ai'e  jostled  as  we  step  into  the  street,  by  the 
world  and  its  cares,  our  lofty  impulses  leave  us,  they 
seem  too  ethereal  for  the  rough  and  tumble  of  the  street, 
and  no  end  is  accomplished  by  our  coming  together. 
There  is  a  distinction  which  we  should  always  bear  in 
mind  between  conviction  and  conversion.  An  eloquent 
preacher,  the  death  of  a  friend,  a  good  book,  often  a  very 
trifling  circumstance,  leads  us  to  feel  impressively  the 
momentous  concern  of  our  souls,  but  like  the  seed  that 
falls  upon  bad  ground,  tares  grow  up  and  choke  it,  and 
it  bears  no  fruit.  We  were  convinced,  but  not  converted. 
We  must  act  ourselves  as  well  as  be  the  passive  recipient. 
We  can  onl}"  become  Christians  by  our  own  free  choice. 
An  iron  will,  by  the  blessing  of  God,  can  make  us  any- 
thing we  wish  to  become.  We  can  become  Christians  if 
we  will  to  become  such,  else  the  Bible  lies  and  we  are 
unaccountable  beings. 

"  That  we  are  tempted  and  placed  in  adverse  circum- 
stances is  no  excuse  for  us ;  in  fact,  is  the  very  method, 
the    very   path    to    Christian   perfection.     An    innocent 


"20  MEMORIAL     OF 

child  is  a  beautiful  object,  but  liow  much  nioi-e  noble  is 
the  virtuous  man  who  has  struggled  and  has  come  off 
victorious !  In  the  little  we  know  of  the  biography  of 
our  Saviour,  how  much  more  estimable  and  exemplaiy  his 
character  appears  after  his  temptation  than  before!  Let 
us  then  learn  to  form  proper  ideas  of  life  and  its  duties, 
let  us  remember  that  to  be  a  Christian  is  not  to  assent  to 
a  certain  system  of  doctrines  contained  in  a  book  called 
the  Bible,  because  for  certain  reasons  it  is  considered 
better  than  the  Koran,  the  Talmud,  or  some  other  relig- 
ious system,  or  because  it  has  a  tendency  to  keep  people 
orderly  or  well-behaved  and  is,  in  policy  of  nations,  an 
excellent  public  arrangement. 

"There  is  nothing  praiseworthy  in  conviction,  it 
requires  no  effort  on  our  part ;  in  fact,  it  takes  place  in 
spite  of  us.  The  devils  believe  and  tremble.  If  it  is 
the  effect  of  these  meetings  to  make  us  onl}'  temporarily 
affected  as  to  our  condition  and  prospects,  or  on  the  other 
hand  to  foster  a  feeling  of  complacency  and  spiritual 
pride,  anything  of  the  spirit  of  tlie  Pharisee,  it  is  better 
that  we  should  never  have  had  them  ;  but  if  we  go  away 
strengthened  and  braced  for  active  life,  for  its  discipline 
and  trials,  for  its  temptations  whether  of  prosperity  or 
adversity,  then  indeed  our  coming  together  will  do  good 
and  we  can  in  faith  ask  the  blessing  of  God  and  asking 
shall  surely  I'cceive.  l'h(^se  who  do  not  at  all  times,  in 
their  daily  walks,  live  virtuously,  are  most  assuredly  with- 
out God  in  the  world." 

May  2  mention  is  made  of  a  daguerreotype  taken  by 
Plumb,  a  copy  of  which  is  inserted. 

In  June  Mr.  Lincoln  took  a  tri})  of  a  few  days  to  New 


FREDERIC     WALKER    LINCOLN.  27 

York,  on  business,  which  he  considered  profitable,  as  far 
as  that  was  concerned,  but  "Avas  impressed  particularly 
Avith  the  dull  appearance  of  the  business  part  of  the  city 
and  with  the  recklessness,  dissipation,  and  depravity  of 
the  great  mass  seen  in  the  streets  and  in  the  places  of 
amusements." 

"Jt/?//  10.  —  Sunday  was  spent  in  Hinghani ;  visited 
the  Sunday-school  connected  with  ]\fr.  Steam's  parish, 
and  addressed  the  children."' 

"  Jiih/  11.  —  Arose  at  4  o'clock,  A.M.,  and  Avent  fishing 
with  friends.     Had  pretty  good  luck." 

Fishing  was  a  favorite  amusement  with  him  through 
life.  Tie  was  fond  of  all  outdoor  sports,  and  enjoyed 
gunning,  skating,  riding,  and  driving. 

^^JuJij  17.  —  John  Ware,  son  of  Henry  Ware,  Jr., 
preached  for  the  first  time,  having  graduated  the  past 
week  at  the  Divinity  School. 

'•'•  July  21.  —  Went  to  Bunker  Hill,  and  Tolman  and  I 
ascended  to  the  top  of  the  monument,  to  the  highest  point, 
where  the  capstone  is  to  be  placed." 

This  probably  was  the  first  time  he  ascended  this 
monument  in  which  afterwards  he  took  so  deep  an 
interest,  and  for  so  many  years  watched  over  with  the 
greatest  care.  For  many  years  he  ascended  it  at  least 
once  every  year. 

'■'■  Sejytemher  28.  — Attended  a  Whig  meeting  at  Tremont 
Hall,  and  was  appointed  on  the  Ward  Nominating  Com- 
mittee. 

"  October  7.  —  Afternoon.  Funeral  services  of  Rev. 
Dr.  Channing.  Eulogy  pronounced  by  Mr.  Gannet  very 
fine,  and  worthy  of  the  man  and  the  occasion.     The  doctor 


28  MEMO  II  I. \L     OF 

(lied  ;it  lU'iiiiiiiLjtoii,  Vt.,  lust  Sunday  evening.  Tlius  lias 
passed  awav  one  of  tlie  most  gifted  of  men  that  ever  lived. 
An  h(inor  to  the  age  and  to  his  country." 

In  1848  Mr.  Lincoln  often  attended  the  lioslon  Debat- 
ing Societ}',  frequently  taking  part.  Also  meetings  of 
the  Social  Relief  Society  for  the  Poor.  In  February  con- 
sidering the  subject  of  forming  a  Soup  Society.  Also 
attended  Dr.  Walker's  lectures,  and  entered  somewhat 
more  into  social  occasions  among  his  friends. 

"  February  27.  —  ]My  26th  birthday.  The  first  thought 
suo-gested  by  the  day  is  that  of  humilit}' ;  that  I  have 
lived  so  long  in  the  world  and  am  not  a  wiser  and  better 
man.  In  my  circumstances,  about  the  same  as  last  year; 
my  prospects  not  very  encouraging.  Few  pleasant  mem- 
ories of  the  past,  but  many  sanguine  hopes  for  the  future. 
Each  heart  knoweth  its  own  bitterness;  mine  is  not  an 
exception  to  the  common  lot.  I  have  some  little  philos- 
ophy which  enables  me  to  hope  all  will  be  for  the  best." 

During  the  winter  of  '43  ^Ir.  Lincoln  enjoyed  tlie 
oratorios  by  the  Handel  and  Haydn  Society,  occasional 
concerts,  and  in  March  commenced  exercises  at  Sheridan's 
Gymnasium.  He  also  became  chairman  of  the  Appren- 
tices' Library,  and  parts  of  many  evenings  were  spent  at 
work  upon  the  Ijooks.  ^Ir.  Lineoli:  was  always  a  great 
lover  of  good  books  and  an  industrious  reader.  A  neigh- 
bor who  lived  ni-ar  his  boarding-place  in  these  early  years 
has  said  that  his  lamp  was  often  seen  burning  late  into  the 
night,  and  we  know  it  was  then  that  he  did  his  reading. 
Among  the  earliest  books  his  journal  mentions  are  "The 
Vicar  of  Wakefield,"  "'  Dickens'  Works,"  and  ''Bancroft's 
'History  of  the  I'nited  States.'"     In  after  years  he  grad- 


FREDEEIC     WALKKU     LINCOLN.  20 

iially  collected  a  large  library,  and  was  so  fan)ili;ii'  witli 
each  book  that  when  he  wanted  to  refer  to  it,  or  quote 
a  subject  or  passage,  he  knew  just  where  to  turn.  Jlis 
memory  was  quite  remarkable  in  this  respect. 

In  May  of  '43  he  attended  a  meeting  at  Fanenil  Hall, 
called  to  take  measures  to  welcome  Webster  home,  after 
being  twentj^-one  years  in  the  public  service. 

One  pleasant  day  in  July  he  drove  out  to  Stoughton, 
with  his  sister  and  a  friend,  to  visit  his  old  schoolmaster, 
Mr.  Tolman.  His  journal  refers  to  it,  "pleasant  mem- 
ories and  pleasant  times." 

In  August  he  boarded  in  Dedham  for  three  weeks, 
and  being  among  friends,  lie  enjoyed  it  much. 

In  September  he  attended  a  meeting  of  the  Second 
Church,  at  which  a  vote  was  taken  to  build  a  new  church 
edifice. 

Early  in  the  3'ear  1844  his  beloved  sister  Harriet  was 
taken  ill,  and  her  lingering  sickness,  until  her  death,  in 
July,  was  a  cause  of  great  anxiety  and  grief  to  him.  He 
went  to  Canton  very  frequently,  always  passing  Sunday 
there  and  often  several  nights  during  the  week,  specially 
during  the  latter  part  of  her  illness,  going  to  and  return- 
ing from  business  every  day.  In  his  journal  he  wrote, 
after  mentioning  the  details  of  her  passing  away,  "  Thus 
has  passed  away  my  nearest  relative  on  earth.  I  have 
neither  father,  mother,  brother,  nor  sister.  A  more 
lonely  situation  cannot  be  conceived."  After  an  account 
of  her  funeral  services,  etc.,  he  adds,  "  Thus  has  passed 
the  darkest  day  of  ray  life,  for  necessarily  there  is  no 
other  person  living  whose  loss  I  can  so  keenly  mourn." 

Although  this  grief  was  in  his  heart,  he  did  not  let  it 


80  MEMORIAL    OF 

pieveiit  him  fiDin  those  activities  wliieh  he  felt  his  duty 
to  himself  ami  others,  and  on  February  22  of  this  year 
he  delivered  an  address  in  Masonic  Temple  on  the  anni- 
versary of  the  ApiJrentices'  Lihiary.  An  account  of  this 
organization,  wliich  has  now  passed  into  history,  is  as 
follows : 

"  In  the  year  1818  Mr.  William  Wood,  then  a  merchant,  in 
successful  business  at  No.  12  Central  street,  conceived  the 
idea  of  establishing  a  library  for  the  benefit  of  apprentices  to 
mechanical  trades,  and  througli  the  newspapers  and  by  means 
of  circulars  in  a  few  months  he  succeeded  in  securing  several 
hundred  volumes,  which  were  placed  in  a  small  room  in  the 
Old  State  House,  then  the  town  hall  building.  Mr.  Wood 
appealed  to  the  ^lassachusetts  Charitable  Mechanic  Associa- 
tion to  take  charge  of  them  and  to  attend  to  their  delivery  to 
the  apprentices.  On  Feb.  9,  1820,  tlie  government  of  that 
society  accepted  the  trust,  and  on  Feb.  22,  1820,  the  library, 
containing  1,480  volumes  in  addition  to  numerous  pamphlets, 
was  delivered  to  the  association  with  appropriate  exercises, 
in  the  Old  State  House.  For  a  few  years  the  library  was 
managed  by  the  association  with  varied  results,  but  in  1828 
the  Mechanic  Apprentices'  Library  Association  Avas  formed, 
and  the  exclusive  management  of  the  library  was  given  over 
to  its  hands,  although  the  parent  association  from  time  to 
time  gave  its  offspring  material  aid.  For  more  than  half  a 
century  the  association  was  a  power  for  great  and  lasting 
good  in  this  community,  at  times  its  membership  reaching 
into  the  hundreds.  But  with  the  gradual  change  in  tlie 
system  of  apprenticeship  its  membership  decreased,  until  a 
few  years  ago  the  institution  was  allowed  to  sink  quietly  out 
of  existence.  For  many  years  its  rolls  bore  the  names  of 
many  men  who  have  gained  fame  and  honor  in  their  respec- 
tive callings,  both  in  mechanical  pursuits  and  in  other  i)ro- 
fessions.     Among  these  may  be  mentioned  ex-Mayors  F.  W. 


FREDERIC     WALKKI!     LINCOLN.  81 

Lincoln  and  J.  INI.  Wightman,  Hon.  Wni.  D.  Kelley,  for 
many  years  a  leading  member  of  Congress  from  Phila- 
delphia." 

In  this  anniversary  address  to  the  apprentices,  in  1844, 
when  Mr.  Lincoln  was  not  quite  twenty-seven  years  of 
age,  we  read  the  advice  he  gave  to  others ;  his  own  career 
shows  how  well  he  carried  out  those  principles  himself. 
One  passage  reads,  "  You  have  it  in  your  power  to  make 
the  profession  of  a  mechanic  as  honorable  as  any  vocation 
in  life.  The  dignit}-  of  a  profession  depends  upon  the 
character  of  those  who  are  in  its  ranks.  If  the  mechanic 
should  excel  in  the  extent  of  his  intellectual  attainments, 
his  moral  character,  and  the  refinement  of  his  manners, 
there  is  no  obstacle,  in  this  country,  to  his  occupying  the 
very  highest  rank  in  the  social  scale.  Bear  in  mind 
that  I  do  not  speak  now  of  political  advancement,  of  his 
holding  public  offices  or  wielding  official  patronage.  No 
truly  great  man  was  ever  inspired  with  so  low  an  ambi- 
tion. Political  distinction  is  the  consequence,  not  the 
object,  of  his  cultivation.  The  mechanic  should  be  as 
well  fitted  as  the  member  of  any  other  class  for  these 
duties,  for  the}-  are  honoral)le  wlien  honorably  performed, 
but  when  made  the  object  of  pursuit,  with  a  view  to 
personal  aggrandizement  or  profit,  they  become  the  very 
meanest  ambition  which  can  actuate  an  immortal  soul. 
Too  often  is  it  the  case  that  the  successful  aspirants  for 
political  fame  are  held  up  to  young  men  as  suitable 
models  for  their  laudable  ambition.  But,  my  friends, 
such  a  motive  for  exertion  is  pernicious ;  cultivate  your 
minds,  improve  all  your  powers,  because  it  is  your  duty, 
and  the  surest  road  to  happiness ;  aim  to  deserve  success. 


32  MKMOIHAL     OF 

rather  than  strive,  by  unworthy  means,  to  attain  it. 
Then  you  will  have  the  satisfaction  of  a  clear  conscience, 
and  retiiin  your  own  self-respect,  which,  if  lost,  all  the 
shouts  and  hallelujahs  of  millions  will  never  restore  to 
you.  If  distinction  come,  well  and  good  :  it  will  not  puff 
you  up  or  unsettle  your  equanimity.  If  neglect  be  your 
portion,  your  own  resources,  those  within  you.  will  con- 
stitute your  strength  and  support." 

On  May  9  Mr.  Lincoln  acted  as  marshal  in  the  proces- 
sion of  the  Clay  and  Whig  Clubs  to  Fanueil  Hall,  receiv- 
ing the  delegates  from  the  Baltimore  Convention,  and  all 
through  this  year  until  election  was  greatly  interested  and 
active  in  the  Whig  Club,  often  speaking.  In  September 
he  went  to  New  York,  and  invited  the  Young  Men's 
Whig  Club  to  visit  the  Massachusetts  Convention,  and  in 
October  went  to  New  York  as  marshal  with  his  own  Whig 
Cliib,  and  entered  a  procession  there,  amid  much  enthu- 
siasm and  excitement. 

In  the  fall  of  this  year  and  into  the  next  winter  Mr. 
Lincoln  attended  a  course  of  lectures  upon  Shakespeare 
by  Mr.  Hudson,  and  wrote  an  account  of  them  to  the 
"  Tribune."  He  also  became  acquainted  with  and  much 
interested  in  Mr.  Hudson  as  a  man. 

In  November  his  friend  James  Tolman  married. 
Although  this  sketch  thus  far  shows  with  what  serious 
earnestness  Mr.  Lincoln  looked  at  life,  his  nature,  on  the 
surface  at  least,  showed  itself  to  be  bright,  full  of  fun, 
and  always  ready  with  a  joke.  His  early  friends  have 
often  spoken  of  his  hearty  laugh  and  genial,  happy 
manners. 

"  Feb.  •11, 1845. —  My  twenty-eighth  birthday.  Thoughts 


FREDERIC    WALKER    LINCOLN.  83 

sadder  than  usual :   I'l'el  that  no  one  has  any  interest  in 
this  anniversary,  now  that  Harriet  has  gone." 

In  April,  184o,  Mr.  Lincoln  headed  a  committee  of  five 
young  men  who  sent  out  the  following  invitation  : 

"  BosTox,  April  2,  1845. 
"  Dear  8jk  :  It  is  proposed  to  organize  a  club  of  gentlemen 
for  social  intercourse,  and  the  mutual  exchange  of  kind  feel- 
ings and  good  offices.  It  is  to  consist  of  young  men  of  active 
business  and  literary  tastes,  who  hold  sound  conservative 
principles  in  politics.  The  number  of  the  members  to  be 
limited.  You  are  cordially  invited  to  be  present  at  a  prelim- 
inar}'  meeting  for  organization,  etc.,  etc." 

In  Ma3%  during  anniversar}'  week,  Mr.  Lincoln  attended 
man}'  of  the  meetings,  and  also  tlie  "  Unitarian  Collation, 
at  which  John  Quinc}'  Adams  presided,  and  made  an 
excellent  speech.  Lewis  G.  Pray,  chairman  of  the  com- 
mittee. About  one  thousand  present,  excellent  time." 
"Evening  meeting  of  Unitarian  Association,  Dr.  Dewey 
presided.  Speeches  bj^  Farley,  Bellows,  Bulfinch,  Fuller, 
Jones,  and  others." 

In  July  of  this  yeav  Mr.  Lincoln  was  invited  to  join 
a  party  of  friends  on  a  trip  to  the  White  Mountains,  occu- 
pying ten  days,  and  enjoyed  it  much.  They  took  cars  to 
Concord,  then  stage  to  London,  stopping  at  Coolidge 
Tavern,  then  to  the  Quaker  Village,  Canterbury,  and 
througli  (libnantown,  arriving  at  Meredith  Bridge  at  half- 
past  seven,  where  he  took  tea;  at  half-past  ten  arrived  at 
Centre  Harbor.  The  next  da}-  rode  horseback  to  the  top 
of  Red  Mountain,  and  tlie  next  took  stage  for  Conway, 
where  he  found  otlier  friends.  On  Sunday  A.M.  early 
started  tV>r  tlie  mountains,  arrivino-  at  Crawford's  about 


34  MEMORTA  L     OF 

iioon,  finding  there  Stephi-n  Faiibanks  and  family,  and, 
in  the  evening,  rode  on  horseback  to  Fabyan's,  meeting 
there  more  Boston  friends. 

Fro7n  journal.  —  "  On  Monday  ascended  the  mountain 
over  Mt.  Clinton,  Pleasant,  Franklin,  Monroe  to  Wash- 
ington. The  company  consisted  of  Bates,  Jordan,  Post, 
of  New  York,  Eaton,  of  Baltimore,  Vanrensselaer,  of 
Albany,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Brown,  of  Boston,  and  myself. 
Guide,  a  man  l>y  the  name  of  Hall,  a  fine  fellow.  Was 
absent  about  ten  hours,  went  up  in  a  fog,  which  sur- 
rounded us  during  the  ascent,  saw  nothing  from  the 
extreme  peak,  but,  upon  coming  down  about  one-eiglith 
of  a  mile,  the  clouds  broke  away,  and  gave  us  the  pros- 
pect in  its  greatest  beauty  and  sublimity.  The  entire 
descent  was  equally  favorable,  and  more  than  compen- 
sated for  the  trouble  and  expense  of  the  journey. 

"  Tuesday  spent  in  fishing  for  trout.  Wednesday,  at 
two  o'clock,  started  for  Littleton,  arriving  in  the  evening. 
Thursday,  five  o'clock  A.M.,  rode  in  an  open  wagon  down 
to  Franconia ;  saw  the  Flume,  etc. ;  breakfasted  at  Knights, 
dined  at  Littleton,  and  started  for  home,  down  the  Con- 
necticut river  route.  Slept  at  Hanover.  Friday  A.M. 
started  at  five  o'clock  again,  breakfasted  at  Windsor, 
Vt.,  dined  at  Walpole,  and  arrived  in  evening  at  Brattle- 
boro'.  Saturda}'^  A.M.  started  again,  and  arrived  in 
Northampton  at  noon,  put  up  at  the  Mansion  House,  a 
fine  hotel.  Sunday  morning  attended  Mr.  Ellis'  church. 
Afternoon,  rode  down  to  Springfield.  In  evening,  at- 
tended the  Episcopal  church.  Monday  forenoon,  visited 
the  United  States  Arsenal.  Astonished  at  the  magnitude 
of  the  establishment,  and  skill  and  woi'kmanship  of  the 


FliEDEIilC    WALKEn    LINCOLN.  S6 

artisans.  At  one  o'clock  started  in  the  cars  for  home, 
where  we  arrived  at  seven  o'clock  in  the  evening,  having 
had  an  excellent  time,  and  feeling  grateful  that  the 
opportunity  was  afforded  me  of  enjoying  so  much. 

"  Jidi/  31.  —  As  I  have  finished  this  book,  I  ought, 
perhaps,  to  make  a  memorandum  of  my  situation  and 
prospects.  Do  not  feel  like  enlarging,  as  the  retrospect  is 
sad ;  Harriet's  death  has  made  a  great  change  in  my 
plans,  and  in  all  mj-  relations  to  this  world.  Have  been 
blessed,  however,  with  a  good  share  of  moral  courage, 
and  endeavor  to  feel  contented  with  the  allotments  of 
Providence.  Although  I  have  now  no  relation  to  feel 
much  interest  in  me.  have,  perhaps,  as  many  friends  as, 
under  my  circumstance,  I  should  expect.  Business  pros- 
pects better  than  they  ever  have  been,  although  they 
consist  more  in  anticipation  than  actual  facts.  Am  pleas- 
antly situated  in  Mr.  Daniels'  famil}^,  which  has  become 
a  second  home." 

In  September,  18-15,  Mr.  Lincoln  visited  Concord  to 
see  Mr.  Emerson,  to  ask  him  to  deliver  a  course  of  lect- 
ures before  the  Lj'ceum.  He  spent  the  night  at  a  pri- 
vate house,  ^  the  hotel  being  full." 

On  September  11  he  was  chosen  delegate  to  the  AVhig 
Convention. 

In  October  he  delivered  the  address  at  the  semi-cen- 
tennial anniversar}'  of  the  Massachusetts  Charital)le  Me- 
chanics Association. 

We  quote  from  a  newspaper  article  relating  to  this 
address  : 

"  We  listened  to  this  address,  Avlien  it  was  delivered,  with 
a   great   degree  of   satisfaction,    a   feeling  of   pride   to    see 


36  MEMOniAL     OF 

a  young  meelianic   acquitting  liiiuself   so    honoral)ly,  in    an 
untried  position,  and  receiving,  as  he  justly  merited,  the  ap- 
plauses and  the  thanks  of  tlie  old,  the  honorable,  and  the  rev- 
erend among  the  audience.     As  a  literary  performance,  this 
address  may  proudly  take  precedence  of  man\-  a  one  whose 
author  writes  ^I.A.  after  his  name.     As   regards  the  Associ- 
ation before  whom  he  spoke,  he  congratulated  the  members 
not  that  it  had  Heed  so  well,  but  that  it  had  do/ie  so  much, 
and  dwelt,  accordingly,  more  upon  the  glory  of  its  results 
than  the  wisdom  of  its  design.     He  regarded  the  mechanic 
arts  most  properly  as  the  sources  of  both  civilization  and 
refinement,  and  the  world  itself  as  a  vast  magazine  full  of 
gifts  discovered  by  science,  and  rendered  useful  b}'  mechani- 
cal invention.     So  cultivation,  requiring  instruments  of  labor, 
combines  the  science  of  the  philosopher  and  the  skill  of  the 
mechanic.     In  connection  with  this  part  of  his  subject,  the 
speaker  ran  rapidly  over  the  inventions  of  the  last  half  cen- 
tury in  aid  of  the  arts  and  manufactures  ;  spoke  at  length  of 
machinery  as  superseding  manual  labor,  and  illustrated  its 
benefit  to  the  mass  on  tlie  prinei[tle  of  "  the  greatest  good  to 
the  greatest  number."     Thus  he  came  to  the  tariff  and  the 
necessity  for  protection  to  our  numufactures,  and  so  to  the 
desire  of  becoming  a  capitalist  in  a  country  of  equal  rights, 
as  being  an  incentive  to  industry  as  Avell  to  the  newsboy  in 
the  street  as  to  the  artisan  in  another  rank.     He  deprecated 
the  doctrine  of  the  alarmist  who  talked  so  loudly  of  aristoc- 
racy and  monopoly,  and  drew  a  vivid  picture  of  the  state  of 
the  laboring  classes  in  England  as  compared  with  those  of 
our  own  land,  giving  a  brief  history  of  the  state  of  maiuifact- 
ures  in  the  Old  World  and  tlie  condition  of  the  people.     Tlie 
wiiole  subject-matter  of  the  address  was  plain,  simple,  and 
appropriate,  and  it  well  showed  tliat  the  physical  energies  of 
the  orator  had  not  been  cultivated  to  the  exclusion  of  his 
intellectual  faculties.     The  hand  and  head  of  the  mechanic 
can  Avork  in   union,   and  tliough   the   brow   may  sometimes 
sweat  with  the  labor  of  the  hands,  there  yet  may  remain  a 
relish  for  mental  cultivation." 


FREDERIC     WALKER    LINCOLN.  37 

From  another  pa])er : 

"  The  following  passage  from  the  speech  of  Hou.  R.  C. 
Winthrop,  at  the  banquet  of  the  Association,  is  a  just  tribute 
to  the  merits  of  this  address,  and  shows  the  appropriateness 
of  the  selection  of  its  author  to  be  the  orator  of  the  occasion : 

"'I  could  not  but  regard  it,  sir,  as  a  most  happy  coinci- 
dence, that  you  had  selected  as  your  orator  on  this  occasion, 
one  who  is  not  only  a  great-grandson  of  your  first  President, 
the  patriot  mechanic,  Paul  E-evere,  but  who  is  himself  en- 
gaged in  precisely  the  same  branch  of  mechanic  industry  in 
which  the  illustrious  artisan  whom  I  have  named  prepared 
himself  for  his  masterly  inventions.  James  Watt,  like  your 
orator,  was  a  maker  of  mathematical  instruments.  He  was 
once  prohibited  from  exercising  his  vocation  in  the  city  of 
Glasgow,  because  he  had  not  gone  through  a  regular  noviti- 
ate, and  obtained  the  freedom  of  the  craft.  He  was  even  re- 
fused the  privilege  of  opening  a  humble  workshop  there  for 
prosecuting  his  experiments.  .The  University  of  Glasgow, 
however,  we  are  told  (and  I  hope  it  will  be  remembered  to  the 
honor  of  the  universities),  came  to  his  aid,  granted  him  a 
chamber  of  their  own,  and  gave  him  the  appointment  of  their 
mathematical  instrument-maker,  and  the  accident  of  having  a 
model  of  a  steam-engine  to  repair,  for  the  professor  of  natu- 
ral philosophy,  was  the  origin  of  all  his  success  It  was 
eminently  appropriate,  Mr.  President,  that  the  praises  of  the 
great  era  of  mechanic  art,  which  the  history  of  your  Associa- 
tion embraces,  should  have  been  pronounced,  as  they  ably  and 
eloquently  have  been,  by  one  who  is  a  pupil  in  the  same 
school  in  which  the  master  spirit  of  that  era  was  educated.'" 

Fifty  years  after,  Mr.  Lincoln  also  delivered  the  address 
at  the  centennial  anniversary.  Both  these  addresses  have 
been  published. 

For  fourteen  years  Mr.  Lincoln  was  officially  connected 
with   the    association.      He    was   chosen   trustee  for  the 


38  MEMORIAL     OF 

years  1850,  1851,  1852,  vice-president  1853,  president 
1854,  1855,  1856,  and  treasui-er  from  1880  to  1887.  We 
here  quote  from  the  annual  report  of  the  association  just 
published  : 

"  It  Avas  diu'iny  the  latter  period  ( while  he  was  treasurer) 
that  our  present  building-site  was  purchased  and  the  building 
erected.  This  operation  devolved  upon  Mr.  Lincoln  a  great 
responsibility  and  a  vast  amount  of  work.  His  interest  in 
and  for  the  association  was  shown  by  the  sacrifice  of  time 
and  money,  for  nearly  the  whole  period  of  his  long  member- 
ship of  fifty-nine  years." 

February  27,  1846,  Mr.  Lincoln  reached  his  twenty- 
ninth  year.  Mr.  Daniels'  family,  with  whom  he  had  so 
happily  lived  for  six  years,  moved  to  Roxbury,  and  he 
again  changed  his  home,  and  foi-  a  time  stayed  with  a 
friend. 

In  April  of  that  year  he  first  entered  upon  his  position 
as  superintendent  of  the  Sunday-school. 

In  May  he  resigned  the  office  of  secretary  of  the 
Lj^cenm,  but  accepted  that  of  curator.  In  the  summer  he 
boarded  in  Dedham. 

During  the  years  from  1845  to  1857  Mr.  Lincoln's 
time  was  filled  with  activities,  with  ever  a  deepening 
interest  in  all  that  concerned  the  welfare  of  his  city,  and 
specially  in  the  charitable  organizations  and  all  that  con- 
cerned the  uplifting  of  the  unfortunate.  Perhaps  suffi- 
cient detail  has  been  given  up  to  this  time  of  those  things 
which  were  his  chief  interests  in  life  (although  quite  in- 
adequate to  make  one  realize  the  fulness  and  usefulness 
of  that  life),  and  the  next  few  years  we  will  pass  over 
rai)i(lly. 


%^  w 


FREDEIUC    WALKER     LINCOLN.  39 

In  1847  and  1848  he  was  a  member  of  the  State  Leg- 
islature, and  again  in  1872  and  1874.  While  in  the 
Legislature  in  1848  he  presented  a  report  and  bill  to  in- 
corporate the  Troy  &  Greenfield  Railroad,  with  a  tunnel 
through  the  Hoosac  Mountain.  This  was  the  commencer 
ment  of  a  great  enterprise,  hopeful  only  to  the  most 
sanguine,  but  consummated  in  1873. 

In  May,  1848,  Mr.  Lincoln  married  Emeline  Hall, 
daughter  of  Mr.  Jacob  Hall,  but  after  a  most  trying  illness 
she  passed  away  in  July,  1849,  leaving  a  daughter,  who 
was  named  Harriet,  for  Mr.  Lincoln's  sister.  At  his 
marriage  he  took  a  house  on  West  Cedar  street  at  the 
West  End. 

In  1851  Mr.  Lincoln  became  chairman  of  the  standing 
committee  of  the  Second  Church  and  the  treasurer  of 
the  corporation,  which  position  he  retained  for  over  forty- 
four  years,  resigning  in  1895.  He  was  also  deacon  from 
1883  until  his  death. 

In  1853  Mr.  Lincoln  was  a  member  of  the  Constitu- 
tional Convention. 

In  that  year  he  gave  up  his  house  on  West  Cedar  street 
and  bought  one  at  64  Pinckney  street,  soon  taking  up 
his  residence  there,  and  in  1854  he  married  Emily  C. 
Lincoln,  daughter  of  Mr.  Noah  Lincoln,  of  Boston. 

At  that  time  he  was  on  the  board  of  the  Bunker  Hill 
Monument  Association,  was  vice-president  and  chairman 
of  the  standing  committee  for  many  years,  and  chosen 
president  in  1889,  holding  the  office  until  he  resigned 
in  1897. 

In  1855  the  honorary  degree  of  Master  of  Arts  was 
conferred   upon    him    by    Harvard    University,   and    by 


4<>  MEMOlilAL     OF 

Daitmoutli  College  in  186r».  While  president  of  the 
Charitable  Meehanic  Association  in  1856  he  snggested 
the  erection  of  a  snitable  monnment  to  Benjamin  Frank- 
lin, and  the  association  elected  him  ehairman  of  the 
Franklin  Statue  Committee,  and  in  that  capacity  he 
delivered  the  presentjition  address  at  the  unveiling  of 
the  statue,  the  first  outdoor  statue  set  uj)  in  Boston. 
We  ([Uote  the  following  : 

'•  W'e  have  no  liesitation  in  saying  tliat  to  F.  ^V.  Lincoln, 
-I  v.,  more  than  to  any  other  man,  belongs  a  large  sliare  of  the 
credit  of  that  enterprise.  Tlie  efficient  manner  in  which  he 
conducted  it  to  a  result  highly  honorable  io  the  city  of 
Franklin's  nativity,  and  the  eloquent  and  able  address  made 
by  him  upon  the  occasion  of  the  inauguration  of  the  statue, 
are  matters  of  record.  Under  the  circumstances  it  was  not 
surprising  that  Mr.  Lincoln  in  1857  received  a  nomination 
for  the  mayoralty,  in  o])position  to  the  regularly  nominated 
candidate.'' 

In  Decenibci',  1857,  .Mr.  Lincoln  was  prevailed  upon 
to  accei)t  the  nomination  for  mayor.  One  ne\vs})aper  re- 
ported a  speech  made  in  Faneuil  Hall  by  one  of  the  com- 
mittee who  nominated  him.  in  wliich  is  (he  followiiin^ 
l)aragrap]i : 

"The  gentleman  whose  name  we  have  selected  was  fixed 
ui)on,  witli  great  unanimity,  for  the  office  of  chief  magistrate, 
liut  I  will  leave  it  for  gentlemen  who  will  follow  me  to  do 
what  is  scarcely  necessary  for  any  one  to  do,  to  tell  you  who 
Freileric  W.  Lincoln,  Jr.,  is.  [(h-eat  applause.]  It  was  with 
great  difficulty  that  we  prevailed  upon  that  gentleman  to 
alhnv  his  name  to  be  used,  he  being,  as  those  who  know  him 
well  are  aware,  an  exceedingly  diffident  and  retiring  man.  an<l 
witlial   feeling,  as  he  stated  to  the  committee,  tliat  it  would 


FREDERIC     WALKER    LINCOLN.  41 

be  a  great  sacritice  to  his  personal  interests  for  him  to  accept ; 
and  it  was  with  great  reluotanee  that  he  was  prevailed  upon 
to  do  so." 

Another  said  ol"  liini  : 

''  He  has  the  advantage  of  being  as  well  known  as  a  man 
of  his  unobtrusive  character  can  be,  to  the  people  of  Boston. 
He  has  served  the  city  in  the  Legislature,  and  has  been  re- 
cently president  of  the  Massachusetts  Charitable  Mechanic 
Association.  Indeed,  he  is  a  most  excellent  and  exemplary 
man,  connected  with  all  our  good  moral,  religioiis,  and  chari- 
table institutions.  His  administration  of  the  office  of  mayor 
would  do  honor  to  the  city  as  well  as  to  himself.  We  run  no 
hairbrained  risks  in  his  nomination,  but  could  safely  confide 
the  public  interests  in  his  hands." 

Another  said : 

"In  Mr.  Lincoln  we  find  a  man  whom  we  think  all  should 
delight  to  honor,  and  who  is  deserving,  honest,  capable,  and 
modest.  He  has  filled  many  public  stations,  and  filled  them 
well.  AVe  can  feel  that  if  he  is  elected  we  have  one  at  the 
head  of  our  municipal  affairs  that  is  '  acquainted  in  Boston  ' 
and  identified  with  its  citizens.  We  trust  he  will  be  tri- 
umphantly elected." 

This  proved  to  be  the  fact.  Mr.  Lincoln's  nomination 
by  a  l)0(ly  of  citizens  composed  of  all  parties  was  hand- 
somely ratified  at  Faneuil  Hall.  He  was  elected  by  over 
four  thousand  majority.  From  a  newspaper  published  at 
that  time  we  give  an  extract: 

"  The  following  is  a  report  of  the  very  happy  and  appro- 
priate remarks  of  Frederic  W.  Lincoln,  Jr.,  Esq.,  in  answer 
to  the  congratulatory  call  of  a  number  of  his  fellow-citizens 
on  Monday  evening.     AVe  are  gratified  to  observe  thn.t   he 


42  MEMORIAL    OF 

plants  liimsell'  Hrmly  in  the  ontset  upon  the  independent 
ground  wliich  we  trust  he  will  occupy  during  his  whole  ad- 
ministration "  : 

'*  I  understand  that  the  purpose  of  your  visit  to  me 
this  eveniiio-  is  to  congratulate  me  upon  being  chosen 
nuiyor  of  this  city,  hut  I  must  confess  —  kindly  as  I 
would  reciprocate  your  good  wishes  —  I  have  not  the 
heart  to  join  in  any  jubilant  strain  of  remark  or  give 
indulgence  to  that  spirit  of  self-gloritication  which  is 
too  apt  to  find  an  utterance  on  such  an  occasion. 

"  If  the  honor  to  which  I  have  been  called  is  great,  so 
are  its  duties  arduous,  and  any  exaltation  of  feeling  that 
it  may  have  engendered  is  overshadowed  by  its  weighty 
responsibilities  and  a  consciousness  of  the  feeble  powers 
which  I  can  bring  to  its  discharge. 

"  When  I  look  back  to  the  many  able  men  who  have 
honorably  filled  the  station,  my  heart  misgives  me,  and 
nothing  but  the  assurance  that  I  shall  receive  the  support 
of  all  good  citizens  could  induce  me  even  now  to  accept 
the  charge. 

"'•To  my  friends  who  have  thrown  themselves  with  so 
much  alacrit}-  into  the  day's  work,  I  return  my  unfeigned 
thanks;  to  my  opponents,  who  have  treated  me  so  kindly 
during-  the  canvass,  I  would  also  express  my  obligations; 
and  while  I  have  fears  that  I  shall  disappoint  the  just 
expectations  of  my  too  partial  friends,  I  also  trust  to  the 
nuignanimity  of  my  enemies, —  I  will  iu)t  call  tliem 
enemies,  but  opponents,  —  that  they  will  judge  of  my 
acts  by  my  motives,  and  hope  that  if  they  are  founded  in 
wisdom  and  good  judgment,  no  jiarrow  prejudice  will 
prevent  them   from  giNing  thcii'  hearty  api)lause. 


FREDERIC     WALKER    LINCOLN.  43 

"  My  only  motive  for  accepting  the  office  is  that  I  be- 
lieve it  to  be  the  duty  of  every- citizen  to  bear  his  share 
of  the  public  burden,  to  accept  his  portion  of  official 
trusts  whenever  they  are  honorably  tendered  to*  him, 
although  I  wish,  in  this  instance,  it  could  have  been 
given  to  some  one  abler  than  myself ;  but  I  shall  enter 
upon  the  duties  of  the  office  with  a  sincere  desire  to  do 
my  dut}^  my  whole  duty,  and  shall  know  no  friend  or 
enemy,  excepting  so  far  as  they  are  the  friends  or  enemies 
of  the  city ;  I  shall  be  governed  by  no  party  or  sect,  but, 
looking  for  the  interests  of  all  classes  and  sects,  shall 
endeavor  to  merit  their  approbation,  and  retire  with  the 
consciousness  that  the  welfare  of  our  beloved  city  has  not 
suffered  so  far  as  it  has  been  committed  to  my  hands. 

"  So  much  for  myself.  Let  me  add  a  word  of  congratu- 
lation to  the  present  chief  magistrate.  Mayor  Rice,  and 
his  colleagues  in  office.  The  result  of  this  daj^'s  election 
has  indorsed  their  action  and  proved  that  faithful  public 
servants  receive  the  approl)ation  of  their  fellow-citizens, 
and  also  that  the  peojile  of  this  metropolis  mean  to  have 
their  affairs  administered  irrespective  of  party  dictation 
or  partisan  influence." 

On  Jan.  4,  1858,  Mr.  Lincoln  was  inaugurated  Mayor 
of  Boston,  sworn  in  by  Chief-Justice  Shaw,  prayer  by 
Mr.  Robbins.  His  address,  which  can  be  foiuid  in  print 
and  need  not  be  added  here,  was  referred  to  in  the  follow- 
ing manner : 

"  The  inaugural  address  is  a  very  manly  and  sensible  pro- 
duction, well  worthy  of  the  head  from  which  it  emanated. 
It  speaks  out  the  hearty  and  undisguised  sentiments  of  a 
frank  and  honest  man.  The  modesty  of  His  Honor  is  as 
noticeable  in  his  address  as  it  is  in  his  personal  bearing." 


44  MEMORIAL     OF 

From  another: 

"  The  election  of  Mr.  Lincoln  I  consider  a  most  uneqniv- 
ooal  trinmph  of  conservative  principles.  I  care  nothing 
abont  liis  claim  to  being  a  Boston  boy.  He  should  have  had 
my  vote  quite  as  readily  had  he  been  born  in  any  other  part 
of  our  countr}^,  as  long  as  the  Jeffersonian  questions,  '  Is  he 
honest  ? '  'Is  he  capable  ?  '  could  have  been  answered,  in 
respect  to  him,  in  the  affirmative.  And  to  these  questions,  as 
far  as  has  come  to  my  knowledge,  there  seems  to  be  but 
one  reply,  among  both  his  friends  and  opponents.  It  is  true, 
the  position  which  his  fellow-citizens  have  assigned  to  him, 
is,  in  his  case,  untried;  is  arduous,  difficult  to  hll  to  the 
satisfaction  of  so  numerous  a  constituency,  and  it  would  be 
remarkable  indeed  if  he  were  to  fulfil  in  every  particular  the 
liigli  expectations  of  his  many  sanguine  friends.  He  is  a 
rare  man  who  has  the  ability.  But  we  have  known  Air. 
Lincoln  long.  He  has  walked  uprightly  before  this  commu- 
nity for  some  forty  years,  sustaining  himself  in  private  and  in 
public  life  as  a  good  citizen,  of  quiet  and  industrious  habits, 
of  sound  judgment,  of  sterling  fidelit}^  and  gentlemanly 
courtesy  ;  and  hence  we  are  justified  in  giving  him  our  con- 
fidence. Far  from  being  a  political  brawler,  it  may  be 
doul)ted  whetlier  a  considerable  number  of  those  who  gave 
liim  tlieir  suffrages  for  mayor  are  aware  of  the  political  party 
to  which  he  formerly  belonged.  But  his  reply  to  the  con- 
gratulatory'- address  of  his  friends  on  the  evening  of  his  elec- 
tion, may  be  taken  as  a  satisfactory  pledge  of  what  his 
administration  is  to  be.  I  consider  that  reply  a  model  per- 
formance for  such  an  occasion,  entirely  unpretending,  yet 
replete  with  modesty,  good  sense,  firmness,  and  patriotism ; 
and  we  may  look  forward  with  confident  expectation  to  a 
perfect  success  in  his  course,  as  far  as  depends  on  the  dili- 
gence, integrity,  faithfulness,  purity,  and  sound  judgment  of 
the  Mayor  himself." 

I)uriiii>-  tlie  years  that  ^Tr.  Lincoln  acted  as  nuuor,  he 


FBEDERIC    WALKER    LINCOLN.  45 

also  attended  to  his  business,  in  March,  IS08,  occupying 
a  new  store  in  Commercial  street ;  he  also  continued  his 
interest  in  all  the  various  organizations  in  which  he  was 
interested,  and  fulfilled  his  duties  as  superintendent  of 
the  Sunday-school  of  the  Second  Church  as  well  as  uct- 
ing  upon  the  standing  committee  of  the  church. 

In  the  early  part  of  January  he  entertained  a  party  of 
sixty  ladies  and  gentlemen  at  his  house,  and  later  in  the 
month  gave  an  entertainment  to  two  hundred  and  fifty 
guests  made  up  of  the  school  committee,  teachers,  and 
friends.  The  same  month  he  attended  the  Mercantile 
Library,  the  oratorio,  occasional  lectures,  and  on  Febru- 
ary 22  addressed  the  children  at  Music  Hall,  and  paid  a 
visit  to  Madame  Otis,  whose  custom  it  Avas  to  receive  her 
friends  on  that  anniversary. 

During  the  winter  Mr.  Lincoln,  in  accordance  with  his 
ideas  of  the  duties  devolving  upon  him,  visited  the 
saloons  and  gambling-houses.  The  following,  from  a 
newspaper  account  written  at  that  time,  reads  : 

"  Mayor  Lincoln  is  actively  engaged  in  the  fulfilment  of 
his  official  duties.  The  alacrity  with  which  lie  entered  on 
them  and  the  zeal  he  is  displaying  in  his  attempts  to  break 
up  the  '  dens  of  iniquity  '  with  which  Boston  abounds,  indi- 
cate that  his  administration  will  fully  sustain  the  prediction 
that  it  would  be  an  excellent  one.  I  learn  from  a  good  source 
that  he  visited  a  noted  gambling-house  in  company  with  a 
prominent  member  of  the  police  department,  a  few  evenings 
since,  in  disguise.  The  doorkeeper  was  unwilling  to  allow 
the  officer  to  pass,  but  at  his  solicitation  permitted  his  '  friend 
from  the  West '  who  was  a  '  stranger  in  the  city '  to  step  up- 
stairs and  '  see  the  sights,'  which  he  accordingly  did,  and 
found  a  number  of  gamblers  inrlustiions   in   tin*  pursuit  of 


40  MEMORIAL    OF 

their  profession ;  what  the  consequences  were  I  did  n<jt 
ascertain,  but  am  told  that  it  is  habitual  with  the  flayer  to 
perambulate  the  streets  nightly  in  quest  of  information. 
This  is  greatly  increasing  his  popularity,  and  time  will  demon- 
strate the  fact  that  for  energy  and  efficiency  Boston  never 
had  a  better  chief  magistrate  than  Frederic  W.  Lincoln,  Jr." 

In  May  he  attended  a  fair  at  tlie  Old  LaJies'  Home,  of 
which  institution  he  was  an  original  member  of  the  gov- 
ernment, and  later  attended  a  meeting  of  the  Revere 
House  Corporation,  of  which  he  was  also  an  original  in- 
corporator and  director.  During  the  entire  jQiir  he  vis- 
ited many  schools.  In  May  also  he  visited  the  theatre  on 
Saturday  evenings  to  notice  tlie  audience,  license  having 
been  given  to  allow  theatres  to  be  opened  on  that  night. 

On  May  19  the  Turkish  Rear  Admiral,  Mehemet  Pasha, 
visited  Boston,  and  the  Mayor  called  upon  liiui  on  his 
arrival,  and  the  next  day  the  admiral  and  his  suite 
returned  the  visit,  and  in  the  evening,  at  the  admiral's 
request,  Ma3^or  Lincoln  attended  the  Howard  Athemeum 
with  him.  The  next  day  the  Mayor,  the  Aldermen,  and 
City  Council  spent  the  day  with  the  admiral,  visiting  to- 
gether the  D wight  School,  the  Public  Library,  the  IJlind 
Asylum,  the  Plouse  of  Correction,  the  Lunatic  Hospital, 
and  other  places  of  interest.  In  the  evening  a  dinner  was 
given  in  bis  honor  by  the  City  Government  of  Boston,  at 
the  Parker  House,  at  wliicli  there  were  speeches  by 
Lverett,  Wightman,  and  others.  On  the  22d  the  fore- 
noon was  s[K;iit  with  tlm  Admiral,  attending  the  Latin 
School    i^xhibition  at   Lowell    Institute. 

Aftei'  the  return  home  of  the  Reai'  Aduiinil,  Mayor 
Lincoln  rcceivcci,  thrnu!>li  the  American  minister  at  Con- 


FBEDERTC    WALKER    TANCOLN.  47 

stantinople,  a  letter  from  the  Ottoman  minister  of  for- 
eign aiiairs,  who  writes  in  the  name  of  the  Sultan  to 
thank  the  citizens  of  Boston  for  the  generous  hospitality 
which  they  extended  to  the  Rear  Admiral  Mehemet 
Pasha  during  his  late  visit  to  that  city. 

In  August  Mr.  Lincoln  took  a  few  days'  rest  and 
recreation  at  the  White  Mountains,  and  wiiile  there  the 
news  arrived  of  the  successful  laying  of  the  telegraphic 
cable.  A  meeting  was  held  in  the  dancing-room  of  the 
Flume  House,  at  which  Mr.  Lincoln  pi-esided,  and  there 
were  speeches  by  several  gentlemen.  On  the  17th  of 
August  a  celebration  of  the  laying  of  the  cable  was  held 
in  Boston,  and  Mayor  Lincoln  reviewed  two  regiments  on 
the  Common.     We  quote  tlie  following  account : 

"The  Common  and  streets  around  it  were  brilliantly  illmni- 
nated  with  lights  and  Chinese  and  French  lanterns.  The  Old 
Elm  was  fairly  covered  with  them  ;  the  Public  Library  was 
indicated  by  a  blaze  of  radiance,  and  a  large  number  of  blue 
lights  were  kept  burning  on  the  parade  ground  during  the  re- 
view. It  was  a  fine  spectacle.  When  the  evening  bells 
pealed  forth  their  notes  of  rejoicing,  and  the  thunders  of  ar- 
tillery sounded  a  deep  bass  to  the  silver  chimes,  thousands  of 
persons  were  already  abroad,  and  ever}^  minute  increased  in 
numbers,  till  by  twilight  it  seemed  not  only  Boston  was 
astir,  but  as  if  the  suburbs  also  had.  been  emptied  of  their 
population,  to  swell  the  tide  of  human  life  Avhich  flowed  in- 
cessantly through  all  the  avenues  in  the  heart  of  the  city. 

"  After  the  review  and  other  exercises  on  the  Common,  His 
Honor  the  Mayor  gave  a  levee  at  his  residence,  No.  64 
Pinckney  street,  which  was  attended  by  a  large  number  of  dis- 
tinguished persons.  Witliout  consideration  of  the  fact  that 
it  was  rather  an  impromptu  and  informal  gathering,  it  was  a 
brilliant  and  successfid  affair.     The  residence  of  the  ^Nlayor 


48  MEMOJilA  L    OF 

was  brilliantly  lighted  througliout,  and  after  the  display  on 
the  Common  the  company  began  to  assemble  in  the  parlors. 
After  mutual  congratulations,  and  a  short  but  pleasing  inter- 
course together,  the  company  sat  down  to  an  elegant  enter- 
tainment, after  which  a  toast  was  given  which  called  up  His 
Honor  Mayor  Lincoln,  who  presided.  He  made  an  ai)pro- 
priate  speech  and  was  followed  by  others.  The  entertain- 
ment elicited  expressions  of  general  satisfaction  from  all 
present,  and  was  one  of  the  features  of  the  evening."' 

During  this  year  and  those  following,  Boston  was 
rapidly  growing,  and  the  problems  of  street  widening  and 
extending,  new  streets  made,  the  filling-in  of  the  Back 
Bay,  the  increase  of  horse-cars  under  many  objections, 
etc.,  all  had  to  be  deeply  and  wisely  considered.  Some 
of  the  objections  to  the  ho)'se-cars  passing  through  Sunniier 
street  were  as  follows : 

"  Mr.  B.  A.  G.,  one  of  the  committee,  testified  that 
now  worship  at  the  church  was  undisturbed,  and  that  by 
the  passage  of  the  liorse-railroad  cars  tlie  interruption  of 
the  service  would  be  very  serious,  particularly  in  summer. 
As  the  locality  is  intended  for  a  station  for  horses,  the 
odor  in  the  Avarm  season  would  be  noisome.  Mr.  G. 
attended  the  society  meeting  to  consider  the  matter,  and 
Ik-  could  state  the  feeling  thereat  to  have  been  that  the 
passage  of  this  horse  railroad  where  contemplated  would 
l)rcak  u[)  worship  at  Ghurch  Green.  The  witness  thought 
that  Summer  street  was  the  last  avenue  that  should  bi- 
subject  to  innovations  of  this  character,  lie  tbought  the 
inconvenience  of  the  liorse  railroad  to  ladies  leaving  the 
church  before  mentioned  would  bo  gieater  than  that  now 
arisinsT  from  onu)ibuscs."" 


FREDERIC    WALKER    LINCOLN.  49 

111  widening  the  sidewalk  on  Tremont  row  from 
Howard  street  to  Peiuberton  s(^nare,  a  law  was  made  that 
it  should  not  exceed  three  feet  at  any  point.  The  ques- 
tion also  came  up  how  to  increase  the  water  supply,  the 
Brookline  Reservoir  not  proving  large  enough. 

The  Public  Libraiy  removed  its  books  and  property 
from  the  Mason-street  School-house  to  the  new  edifice  in 
Boylston  street ;  school-houses  were  enlarged  and  in- 
creased ill  numbers  ;  the  flooding  of  a  portion  of  the 
parade  ground  on  the  Common  for  skating  was  accom- 
plished after  much  discussion  and  objections  by  some ; 
trials  of  the  steam  fire-engines  were  held  on  the  Com- 
mon, and  tliey  were  finally  adopted  by  the  P^'ire  Depart- 
ment ;  the  corner-stone  of  Minot's  Light  was  laid  amid 
appropriate  ceremonies ;  the  city  institutions  removed 
from  South  Boston  to  Deer  Island;  City  Hospital 
started;  Fanueil  Hall  Market  opened;  the  police  uni- 
formed after  very  exciting  meetings,  discussions,  ob- 
jections, etc. 

The  newspapers  were  filled  with  this  discussion,  both 
sides  having  many  advocates.  Now  that  its  accomplish- 
ment and  long  use  have  proved  its  desirability,  it  may  be 
interesting  to  read  of  some  of  the  opinions  expressed 
through  the  papers  at  that  time  : 

"Police  Uniform.  — The  subject  of  establishing-  a  distinct 
dress  to  be  worn  by  the  otiicers  of  the  police  is  again  revived 
in  certain  (piarters,  and  so  far  made  public  that  a  newspaper 
item  has  lately  appeared,  announcing  that  one  ofKcer  luid 
been  measured  for  his  suit.  What  argument  can  be  sustained 
in  favor  of  uniforming  the  police  it  is  difficult  to  conceive  ; 
while  tlie  objections  to  the  step  are  numerous.  If  it  arises 
from  a  mere  whim  of  those  in  authority,  we  opine  tliat  few 


60  MEMORIAL    OF 

gf  our  citizens  have  any  such  eccentric  desire  to  see  their 
friends,  wlio  are  attached  to  this  important  arm  of  the  public 
service,  dressed  up  like  popinjays.  Aside  from  the  impro- 
priety of  the  measure,  it  is  unfair  to  oblige,  against  their  will, 
a  deserving  class  of  our  fellow-citizens  to  adopt  a  dress  which 
offends  their  good  sense.  Few  men,  engaged  in  a  respectable 
calling,  like  to  be  singled  out  from  their  fellows  by  their  style 
of  costume.  Such  things  degrade  the  character  of  the  depart- 
ment by  raising  a  barrier  to  the  appointment  of  a  proper  per- 
son. As  a  mark  to  designate  the  police  from  other  men  in  a 
crowd,  a  uniform  will  be  of  little  use,  for  no  man  could  justify 
himself  for  an  assault  upon  a  police  officer  on  the  ground  of 
ignorance.  The  assault  itself  is  criminal.  The  police  force 
of  the  city  is  composed  of  too  deserving  a  class  of  men  to  be 
separated  from  the  rest  of  the  community  by  a  particular 
species  of  dress.  They  have  done  nothing  to  deserve  this 
equivocal  compliment.  Elevate  as  much  as  possible  the 
character  of  the  police,  but  for  the  sake  of  peace  and  good 
order,  do  not  think  of  costuming  them  alike." 

Another  says : 

"  For  a  long  time  past  the  subject  of  compelling  the  members 
of  the  Police  Department  to  wear  a  distinguishing  uniform 
has  been  agitated  by  certain  persons  in  authority.  No  means 
have  been  left  untried  to  forward  this  their  pet  project.  The 
present  chief  has  been  especially  active  in  tlie  cause.  The 
adoption  of  a  uniform  would  benefit  the  rogues,  by  enabling 
them,  when  engaged  in  their  nefarious  pursuits,  to  calculate 
precisely  the  whereabouts  of  an  officer,  thus  giving  them  the 
opportunity  to  elude  his  vigilance.  There  can  be  no  benefit 
arising  from  the  adoption  of  the  uniform  to  counterbalance 
this. 

"  The  chief  and  the  officers  attached  to  his  office  might,  did 
they  seek  earnestly,  readily  find  matters  of  more  general  im- 
l)ortance  to  the  welfare  of  the  city  than  the  fancy  project  of 


FREDERIC    WALKER    LINCOLN.  51 

clothing  the  men  nndcr  their  eonimimd  in  bhie  coats  and  brass 
buttons.'' 

On  the  other  side  were  articles  like  the  following: 

"  The  proposition  to  clothe  our  police  force  in  uniform  is 
one  which  we  cannot  but  regard  with  much  favor.  It  Avould 
make  that  body  far  more  efficient,  define  its  position  more 
distinctly,  and  in  every  case  requiring  its  interference,  prove 
a  valuable  protection.  Policemen  themselves  should  feel  that 
they  are  emphatically  policemen,  and  their  body  in  every  large 
community,  in  times  like  our  own,  ought  to  be  as  exactly 
organized  as  a  military  force,  and  every  member  held  to  as 
strict  account  as  a  soldier  to  his  superior  officer.  The  prej- 
udice, so  far  as  it  exists  against  a  uniform,  is  only  weak. 
We  know  no  reason  why  they  should  not  be  thus  dressed,  as 
well  as  a  military  company,  nor  Avhy  it  should  be  held  any 
more  degrading  to  them  than  in  the  other  case.  Indeed,  Avhy 
should  it  be  any  more  so  than  the  official  garb  worn  by  the 
sheriff  ?  In  other  countries  and  in  some  of  our  large  cities, 
this  practice  is  beneficially  pursued." 

On  November  10, 1858,  Mayor  Lincoln  was  called  npon 
by  both  political  parties,  to  see  if  he  wonld  take  a  nomi- 
nation for  mayor  from  their  respective  parties.  His 
reply  was: 

''  I  could  not  identify  myself  with  an}'  political  organi- 
zation. I  was  placed  in  my  position  by  citizens  of  all 
parties,  and  the  body  who  placed  me  in  power  must  first 
say  whether  they  would  sustain  me  another  year.  After 
they  had  acted  I  then  conld  say  if  I  wonld  take  a  nomi- 
nation." 

Immediately  after,  a  committee  waited  u[)on  liim  from 
a  meeting  of  citizens,  and  told  him  lie  was  renominated 
for  mayor,  and  after  some  hesitation  he  accepted. 


LIBRARY 


52  MEMOiiiA  L   nr 

December  13  Mr.  Lincoln  was  reelected  mayor.  Early 
in  1859  the  Mt.  Hope  Cemetery  Board  was  organized, 
but  the  cemetery  was  purchased  by  the  cit}-  the  year  l)e- 
fore.  The  subject  regarding  the  telegraphic  communica- 
tion to  Nova  Scotia  was  agitated.  Controversy  with  the 
Commonw-ealth  about  the  right  of  the  city  to  build  west 
of  the  Public  Garden  was  settled  and  two  larpfe  lots  of 
land  given  to  the  city  for  the  relinquishment  of  tlie  right 
and  the  whole  subject  of  the  Public  Garden  decided  b}^ 
a  vote  of  the  people. 

During  the  year  1859  there  were  many  banquets, 
dinners,  etc.,  at  which  the  Mayor  was  called  upon  to 
speak. 

On  March  4  the  "  ]\It.  Vernon  ball "  took  place  at  the 
Boston  Theatre,  and  was  considered  "  the  most  splendid 
affair  ever  held  in  Boston." 

Quoting  from  a  news[)aper: 

"  The  two  elements,  fashion  and  i)atriotism,  were  happil}^ 
directed  toward  the  accomplishment  of  that  most  noble 
result,  the  purehase  of  Mt.  A'ernon.  The  company  began  to 
assemble  about  lialf-past  seven.  At  eight  o'clock  there  was 
a  line  of  carriages  at  the  Mason-street  entrance  to  tlie 
theatre  reacliing  nearly  to  Bromheld  street,  and  on  Wash- 
ington street  the  same  distance.  Ihit  there  was  very  little 
confusion.  After  the  assembly  luxd  fully  arrived,  the  scene 
in  the  auditorium  was  surpassingly  beautiful. 

"  The  number  of  persons  in  attendance  is  variously  esti- 
mated at  from  5,000  to  7,000.  Among  the  prominent  citizens 
present  were  Governor  Banks,  Mayor  Lincoln,  Professor 
Longfellow,  Prof.  0.  W.  Holmes.  Hon.  Robert  C.  AVinthrop, 
Hon.  Josiah  Quincy,  Jr.,  Judge  Sanger.  Hon.  Chas.  Hale, 
Hon.  Chas.  A.  Phelps,  Captain  Culluin,  of  the  U.S.  ('orps  of 
Engineers,  and  otlicrs  toi)  numerous  to  particulari/e." 


Fh'KDKniC     WALKER     LINCOLN.  53 

111  April  Mayor  Lincoln  went  to  New  York  witli  the 
Board  of  Alderinen,  and  attended  tlie  Sanitary  Conven- 
tion, being  appointed  one  of  tlie  vice-presidents  and  on 
the  business  committee.  At  the  banquet  given  by  the 
Government  of  New  York  to  the  delegates  of  the  con- 
vention, Maj'or  Liiic(jln  made  a  speech  in  behalf  of  the 
city  of  Boston.  To  show  the  difference  in  some  of  the 
details  of  those  days  from  the  present  we  add  the  follow- 
ing :  One  Sunday  in  May  Mayor  Lincoln  was  called  out 
from  his  Sunday -school  to  go  to  the  North  End,  where  a 
murder  had  been  committed.  The  Mayor  was  personally 
requested  to  settle  many  questions,  and  every  one  felt 
they  could  call  upon  him  to  relate  their  troubles  and 
grievances. 

One  writer  at  that  time  states : 

"  Very  impractical  schemes  are  almost  daily  suggested  to 
the  Mayor,  and  when  he  demurs  lie  is  regarded  as  a  very  hard- 
hearted or  dull-headed  man.  Mayor  Lineohi  lias  a  ver}^ 
happy  knack  of  keeping  cool  and  giving  as  much  satisfaction 
as  he  possibly  can.  In  one  hour  we  heard  him  solicited  to 
perform  feats  more  impossible  than  walking  on  a  tight  rope 
over  the  Falls  of  Niagara.  Some  appear  to  think  he  has 
offices  always  in  store  for  the  needy,  free  passes  for  poor 
people  over  all  the  railroads  in  the  world,  an  unliiuited  for- 
tune which  will  enable  him  to  set  all  bankrupts  up  in  busi- 
ness, and  a  negative  reply  to  any  request  is  regarded  as  very 
hard. 

"  There  is  no  subscription  started  which  the  Mayor  is  not 
expected  to  subscribe  to,  no  slave  to  be  purchased  from  cap- 
tivity which  he  must  not  aid,  no  blind  man  who  publishes  a 
book  but  he  must  buy  it,  no  statue  erected  but  he  must  help 
pay  for  it,  no  church  in  the  West  requiring  funds  but  he  must 
contribute,  no  case  of  a  poor  widow  made  disconsolate  but 


54  MF.MOIIIAL     OF 

he  must  liead  the  subscrii)tiou  list,  no  testimonial  to  a  dis- 
tinguished citizen  but  he  must  sign  for  at  least  ten  dollars, 
and  no  society  of  a  charitable  nature  but  he  must  be  a  life 
member.  He  is  expected  also  to  assist  on  all  public  occa- 
sions, to  help  lay  all  the  cornerstones,  speak  at  all  anniver- 
saries, dine  at  all  public  dinners,  attend  all  the  school  exam- 
inations, appoint  all  the  policemen,  bear  the  blame  if  any- 
thing goes  wrong  at  City  Hall,  and  listen  to  all  complaints 
that  any  one  has  to  make.  It  is  a  hard  position  and  a  poorly 
paid  one  at  that,  and  we  do  not  wonder  that  honest  men 
generally  get  about  enough  of  it  in  two  years." 

During  the  years  1859  and  1860  Mayor  Lincoln  opened 
his  house  many  times  for  tlie  entertainment  of  guests 
visiting  the  city,  and  all  found  in  him  a  cordial  and 
genial  host.  After  one  of  his  levees  it  was  said,  "By  his 
courtesy  and  kindness  Mayor  Lincoln  made  all  present 
completely  at  home,  and  when  such  as  represented  other 
cities  tinall}'  left,  it  was  witli  a  better  feeling  of  that 
municipality  which  is  honored  by  possessing  such  a 
chief." 

On  July  26th,  as  was  liis  annual  custom,  the  Mayor 
visited  live  different  schools,  and  the  INIusical  Festival  at 
the  Music  Hall.  His  address  on  the  latter  occasion  was 
as  follows : 

"It  is  not  my  intention,  ladies  and  gentlemen,  to  make 
an}'  extended  remarks  on  this  occasion.  The  introduc- 
tory remarks  of  the  chairman,  and  the  suggestions  which 
fell  from  our  venerable  friend,  and  also  the  elabt)rate 
manner  in  which  the  subject  of  education  was  discussed 
by  our  friend  from  New  York,  it  seemed  to  me,  satisfied 
the  requirements  of  the  occasion.  My  duty  here,  how- 
ever,   as   an    ollicial    character,  is,  in   the  first  place,  in 


FliEDEUlC     WALKEli    LINCOLN.  55 

behalf  oi  the  citizens  of  Boston  to  return  tlu'ir  llinnks  to 
the  School  Committee  wiio  have  had  chaige  of  the  pul)lie- 
schools  during  the  past  year,  and  I  wish,  on  this  occasion, 
to  bear  my  humble  testimony  to  the  success  which  has 
crowned  their  labors.  Those  of  you  who  witnessed  the 
exhibitions  in  the  schools  to-day  must  have  been  satisfied 
with  the  attainments  of  the  pupils,  and  all  that  seems 
now  to  be  wanting  is  a  more  earnest  cooperation  on  the 
part  of  the  parents  with  the  teachers.  When  this  is 
accomplished,  it  seems  to  me  our  Boston  schools  will  have 
become  perfect.  The  most  important  function  which  T 
have  to-day  as  chief  magistrate  is,  that  in  accordance  with 
the  old  custoni,  these  medal  boys  and  girls  should  be 
presented  to  the  Mayor,  who  sliall  give  them  his  right 
hand  as  a  pledge  of  congratulation  and  friendship,  and 
also  present  them  with  a  bouquet.  I  hope  my  young- 
friends  here  will  bear  their  honors  with  becoming  humil- 
ity. They  have  triumphed  to-day,  and  somebody  else 
will  triumph  to-morrow.  I  hope  they  will  bear  their 
honors  with  grace,  and  not  exult  over  their  less  fortunate 
companions." 

The  Mayor  then  presented  each  of  tlie  medal  scholars 
Avith  a  bouquet,  after  which  the  "  Doxology  "  was  sung, 
and  the  assembly  dispersed. 

Frequently  in  after  years  many  wouhl  introduce  them- 
selves to  Mr.  Lincohi  as  one  of  the  boys  or  girls  to  whom 
he  had  presented  a  bouquet. 

On  October  9  of  this  year  Mr.  Lincoln  took  an  excur- 
sion down  the  harbor  with  Jefferson  Davis  and  a  party, 
landing  at  Fort  Warren. 

On  November  19  a  committee  waited  upon  liim  to  ask 


56  MKMOIUM.     OF 

him  to  !icce})t  iiL^aiii  tlie  iiomiiiatioii  lor  mayoi',  but  lie 
declined,  alter  being  urged  again  an<l  again:  however,  at 
tiie  end  of  a  week's  time,  he  consented. 

In  l8ol>  Mayor  Lincoln  had  a  portrait  i)ainted,  which  is 
still  in  the  possession  of  his  wife.  A  newspaper  article 
mentions  it  in  the  following  manner: 

'•A  15k  \r  I  iiui.  CviJiNKr  I'oktkait.  —  \\'itli  his  constant 
study  and  practice,  it  is  not,  perhaps,  surprising  that  an 
artist  like  ^Ir.  "Wight,  of  this  city,  should  impart  to  canvas 
the  heads,  busts,  half  and  full  lengths,  the  forms  and  linea- 
ments of  so  many  different  persons,  sucli  a  numl)er  and  variety 
of  living  and  iuaiiimate  things.  I5ut  it  is  not  a  little  reuuirk- 
able  that  whether  he  portray  the  image  of  a  man  in  the  full 
size  of  reality  itself,  or  depict  in  a  historical  composition  a 
face  reduced  to  the  compass  of  a  lady's  ring,  the  effect  should 
be  so  triithful,  complete,  and  striking.  And  yet  the  range  of 
the  painter's  pencil,  if  he  possess  genius  and  industry,  and 
be  devoted  to  his  profession,  is  scarcely  to  be  limited.  ^lost 
of  Mr.  "Wight's  larger  works  have  indeed  passed  through  the 
ordeal  of  public  scrutiny ;  but  his  lesser  ones,  being  executed 
for  private  families,  have  rarely  been  opened  to  the  commu- 
nity. It  has  been  well  said,  however,  that  his  cabinet  pictures 
fairly  divide  the  palm  with  his  other  i)roductions.  One  of 
his  latest  cabinet  portraits  has,  we  mulerstand,  just  been 
placed  on  exhibition  in  the  rooms  of  Messrs.  Williams  & 
Everett,  Washington  street.  It  is  full-length  likeness  of 
the  Hon.  F.  W.  Lincoln,  Jr.,  the  INIayor  of  this  city.  Taken 
from  actual  sittings,  it  represents  him  in  an  official  cai)acity, 
and  the  hgure  and  posture  are  so  happily  chosen  and  charac- 
teristic, and  the  accessories  so  natural  and  becoming,  as  to 
excite  the  admiration  of  every  spectator." 

During  this  year  the  \\'el)sti'r  statue  was  dedicated,  at 
whicli   Mr.  Lincoln  delivered  an   address.  iIk-  oration  be- 


FREDEllIC     WALKER    LIXCOLN.  57 

iiig  given  1)}'  Edward  Everett.  In  the  same  year  the 
Lincoln  School  in  South  Boston  was  named  in  his  honor, 
and  as  a  token  of  his  interest  in  the  school  he  presented 
a  large  and  valuable  tower  clock,  which  adorns  its  cupola, 
to  teach  the  great  lesson  of  punctuality  to  successive 
generations  of  pupils. 

On  Nov.  29,  1859,  Mayor  Lincoln  went  to  Washington 
to  secure  the  cooperation  of  the  United  States  authorities 
in  the  preservation  of  Boston  Harbor.  The  water  was 
shoaling  in  many  places  in  the  harbor,  owing  to  the  en- 
croachments upon  the  headhmds  and  islands,  and  the  com- 
mercial prosperity  of  the  city  of  Boston  was  threatened. 
In  his  message  to  the  City  Council  in  1859  Mayor  Lin- 
coln said :  "  Anything  that  endangers  the  safety  of  our 
city's  harbor,  caused  either  by  the  hand  of  man  or  the 
ravages  of  the  sea,  should  be  watched  with  jealous 
scrutiny  and  care.  Boston  Harbor  does  not  belong  to 
Boston  alone,  but  to  the  whole  nation  ;  and  we  are  recre- 
ant to  duty  if,  living  in  the  immediate  vicinity,  we  do  not 
adopt  all  those  instrumentalities  which  shall  secure  its 
safety."  Mayor  Lincoln  was  most  graciously  received  by 
the  officials  in  Washington,  and  it  was  stated,  "  It  has 
been  a  topic  of  general  remark,  from  the  President  down 
to  the  lobby  members,  that  Mayor  Lincoln  had  '  the  inside 
track'  and  went  round  it  like  an  old  stager.  In  these 
days  of  circumlocution  such  immediate  success  is  a  rarity." 
Through  his  personal  exertions  the  necessary  official 
action  at  Washington  was  obtained,  and  a  harbor  com- 
mission appointed  for  the  city  of  Boston.  Out  of  this 
Sfrew  o-reat  benefits  to  the  harljor  which  were  most  im- 
portant  to  the  welfare  of  Boston. 


58  MKMOin.lL     OF 

111  .luiiiiary,  18(!0.  .Mr.  Lincoln  entered  u[)()ii  his  third 
term  as  mayor,  being  elected  by  a  majority  vote.  His 
inaugural  address,  with  those  of  other  years,  is  in  print, 
so  it  need  not  be  added  here.  It  seems  to  have  given 
perfect  satisfaction,  and  elicited  many  complimentary 
comments. 

Early  in  that  year  INIayor  Lincohi  entertained  many 
times  at  his  own  home,  and  on  one  occasion,  the  house 
not  being  large  enough  to  accommodate  all  the  guests  at 
one  time,  he  entertained  two  evenings  in  succession,  Feb- 
ruary 8  and  9.  On  the  10th  he  attended,  at  the  Revere 
House,  an  entertainment  given  by  the  medical  faculty 
of  Harvard  University  to  the  students  and  others. 

In  April  he  attended  a  meeting  of  gentlemen  at  the 
house  of  Mr.  Quincy,  to  organize  a  sanitary  association, 
which  afterwards  held  frequent  meetings.  Also  he 
attended  the  annual  meeting  of  the  Young  Men's  Chris- 
tian Union. 

On  April  26  he  started  for  New  York,  Philadelphia, 
Baltimore,  and  Washington,  in  each  city  being  most 
kindly  received  and  entertained. 

On  July  9,  18G0,  the  City  Council  received  the  ft)llow- 
ing  communication  from  the  Mayor: 

"M.wok's  Okkice,  City  Hall, 

"liosTox,  July  *.),  1S()0. 
" -2o  i/if  Hoiiunthle  Vdij  i'ouncU : 

"  I  have  been  honored  by  an  invitation  i'roin  the  nia^or  of 
Halifax,  Nova  Scotia,  to  meet  His  lioyal  Highness  the 
Prince  of  Wales,  on  his  visit  to  that  city,  about  the  last  of 
the  present  month.  As  the  invitation  is  addressed  particu- 
larly to  me,  on  account  of  my  official  position,  it  would  seem 


FREDERIC    WALKER    LINCOLN.  59 

to  be  a  courtesy  extended  to  the  city,  and  as  such,  slioiild  be 
duly  appreciated.  It  is  understood  that  after  His  Royal 
Highness  and  suite  have  visited  the  British  Provinces,  he 
intends  going  through  a  portion  of  the  United  States,  and  I 
would  respectfully  suggest  for  your  consideration  the  expe- 
diency of  extending  to  him  an  invitation  to  visit  Boston. 
This  courtesy  has  already  been  tendered  him  by  some  of  our 
sister  cities  of  the  Union,  and  a  similar  invitation  from 
Boston  might,  under  the  circumstances,  be  appropriate,  and 
serve  to  strengthen  the  international  good  feeling  and  friend- 
ship which  happily  exist  between  us  and  the  mother  country. 

"F.  W.  Lincoln,  Jr." 

Alderman  Amory  offered  the  following  order  : 

"  City  of  Boston. 
"  In  Board  of  Aldermen,  July  9,  1860. 
"  Ordered,  That  His  Honor  the  Mayor  be,  and  is  hereby  re- 
quested, in  behalf  of  the  City  Council,  to  extend  to  His  Eoyal 
Highness  the  Prince  of  Wales  an  invitation  to  visit  the  city 
of  Boston  during  his  contemplated  tour  in  America,  and  to 
express  to  him  the  great  gratification  which  such  a  favor 
would  afford  to  the  government  and  citizens  of  Boston." 

On  July  26  ]Mayor  Lincoln  started  for  St.  Jolin, 
arriving  the  next  day,  and  was  met  at  the  boat  b}'  the 
mayor  and  driven  about  the  city  in  his  carriage.  At  nine 
o'clock  in  the  evening  be  took  the  steamer  for  Windsor, 
where  he  arrived  the  next  morning,  then  took  cars  to 
Halifax.  Was  met  there  by  the  ma3^or  and  other  officials, 
and  the  maj^or  of  Montreal.  The  next  day  being  Sunday, 
he  attended  church  with  Mayor  Caldwell,  and  in  the 
afternoon  visited  the  citadel  and  other  points  of  interest 
in  the  city. 

On  July  30  the  Prince  was  expected,  and  Mayor  Lincoln, 


no  MKMOlllM.     OF 

witli  otlu  IS.  Weill  down  the  liiiilMjr  (jii  tlic  steuuiL-r  '•  Nep- 
tune "to  meet  liiiii.  His  Royal  Highness  lauded  about 
noon,  with  much  parade,  hi  the  evening  Mr.  Lincoln 
dined  with  the  Prince  at  Lord  Mulgrave's,  aljuut  forty 
others  being  present.  He  was  presented  to  the  Prince, 
and  liad  some  lonversation  witli  the  Duke  (jf  Newcastle 
about  Boston.  After  the  dinner  Mayor  Lincoln  was  toasted 
and  made  a  speech.  The  next  moi-ning  w^as  spent  in 
making  calls  upon  a  number  of  gentlemen,  and  in  the 
e\'ening  there  was  a  levee  at  the  house  of  the  governor, 
where  he  had  an  ojjportunity  for  conversation  with  the 
Prince. 

The  next  morning  he  took  the  cars  with  the  Prince 
for  Windsor,  dined  there  with  him,  and  afterwards  went 
by  boat  to  St.  John,  arriving  there  in  the  evening.  The 
Prince's  reception  at  the  city  of  St.  John  was  similar  to 
that  at  Halifax.  A  dinner  was  given,  illuminations  in 
evening,  etc.  The  next  morning  Ma3or  Lincoln  went  with 
the  Prince  by  boat  up  the  St.  John  river  to  Frederickton, 
dining  with  him,  and  witnessing  the  demonstration  of  the 
people  all  along  the  line.  The  usual  ceremony  greeted 
his  arrival  in  the  evening.  The  folio  wing  day  being  Sun- 
day, the  Prince  and  party  attended  the  cathedral,  where 
the  bishop  preached  ;  on  the  arrival  of  the  Prince  the 
bishop  met  him  at  the  door,  and  later  escorted  him  out. 
On  Monday  there  was  a  parade,  presentations,  addresses, 
dedication  of  the  park,  and  in  the  evening  a  ball.  Mayor 
Ivincoln  was  much  pleased  with  the  little  city  and  its 
hospitality. 

While  in  St.  John  Ma3-or  Lincoln  wrote  to  the  city 
clerk  the  following: 


FREDERIC    WALTER    LINCOLN.  61 

••We  are  now  in  St.  John,  and  shall  start  in  the  morn- 
ing for  Frederickton.  I  do  not  know  what  may  be 
thought  of  our  visit  to  the  Provinces  at  home,  but  I  am 
sure  it  will  be  a  good  thing  for  Boston  here.  We  have 
received,  as  the  representatives  of  Boston,  a  great  deal  of 
attention.  The  authorities  of  the  Provinces  and  the 
cities  have  been  exceedingly  gratified  at  our  presence,  and 
have  been  unbounded  in  their  courtesies.  One  of  the 
Piince's  suite  remarked  that  it  was  pleasant  to  receive 
such  a  mark  of  attention  fi'om  the  Maj'or  of  Boston  as  his 
journe}'  to  Halifax  indicated,  for  Boston  was  the  first  city 
that  had  opposed  them  in  the  Revolutionary  contest,  and 
now  is  the  first  city  of  the  United  States  to  welcome  the 
Prince  to  these  shores.  They  all  expressed  a  determina- 
tion to  visit  us,  but  cannot  in  honor  accept  our  invitation 
until  they  have  seen  Lord  Lj^ons,  with  whom  there  was 
to  be  an  arrangement  as  to  their  route  tlirough  the  United 
States.  The  attention  of  the  Prince  and  his  suite  to  me 
has  been  marked  and  peculiar,  and  they  all  look  forward 
to  their  visit  to  us  with  much  interest." 

In  an  account  of  the  proceedings  in  Halifax  and  St. 
John,  etc.,  we  find  the  following : 

•'  Ma3-or  Lincoln,  of  Boston,  produced  a  strong  impres- 
sion in  favor  of  American  gentlemen  by  his  courteous 
and  dignified  bearing,  and  we  were  told  that  tlie  Duke  of 
Newcastle,  pointing  at  him,  asked  Consul  Pillsbury  •  if 
he  was  a  fair  specimen  of  Boston  gentlemen ;  antl  if  so, 
then,'  said  the  Duke,  '  Boston  must  be  a  city  of  fine  gentle- 
men, and  Mayor  Lincoln  a  credit  to  his  city."  "' 

On  August  7  he  started  for  home,  and  on  his  arrival 
was   rejoiced    to  find    all  well  with    his   family,  then  at 


62  MEMOniAL    OF 

Canton.  On  September  1  lie  took  tliem  to  the  Old 
Colony  House,  Hingrham.  for  a  few  weeks,  liefore  return- 
ing to  the  city. 

On  September  .5  the  Second  Regiment  encam[)ed  on  the 
Common,  under  the  command  of  Colonel  Cowdin,  wdio 
called  it,  in  the  INIayor's  honor.  Camp  Lincoln.  In  the 
afternoon  at  5  o'clock  the  regiment  was  reviewed  by  the 
Mayor  and  others.  The  next  day  the  Mayor  dined  at  the 
camp  witli  his  wife  and  son,  Frederic. 

September  17,  the  anniversary  of  the  settlement  of 
Boston.  In  the  morning  the  Mayor  attended  the  dedica- 
tion of  the  Everett  School-house,  and  in  the  afternoon 
was  present  at  the  presentation  of  a  flag  to  a  vessel  at 
India  Wharf. 

On  October  1»)  was  held  the  great  Republican  torch- 
light procession,  and  the  following  afternoon  a  reception 
was  lield  for  those  taking  j^art,  and  in  the  evening 
another  procession.  These  were  exciting  days  politically, 
but  another  subject  also  engrossed  much  of  the  public 
thought  —  the  coming  visit  of  the  Prince  of  Wales,  on 
October  17. 

The  following  is  the  correspondence  between  the  Presi- 
dent and  Queen  Victoria  relative  to  the  visit  of  the 
Prince  of  Wales : 

"  To  Hkr  Ma.iksty  Qukkn  Victokia  : 

"  I  have  learned  from  the  public  journals  tliat  tlie  Prince 
of  Wales  is  about  to  visit  your  ^Majesty's  North  American 
dominions.  Should  it  be  the  intention  of  His  Royal  Higli- 
ness  to  extend  his  visit  to  the  United  States,  I  need  not  say 
how  happy  I  sliould  be  to  give  liiin  a  cordial  welcome  at 
Wasliiiigton.      \o\\  may  be  well   assured  tliat  everywhere  in 


FREDERIC    WALKER    LINCOLN.  63 

this  country  he  will  be  greeted  by  the  American  people  in 
such  a  manner  as  cannot  fail  to  prove  gratifying  to  your 
^Majesty.  In  this  they  will  manifest  their  sense  of  your  do- 
mestic virtues,  as  well  as  their  convictions  of  your  merits  as 
a  wise,  patriotic,  and  constitutional  sovereign. 

"  Your  Majesty's  most  obedient  servant, 

'•'James  Buchaxax. 
"  Washixoton.  June  4,   1860." 

"  BucKixGHAM  Palack,  Juuc  22,  ISfiO. 

"  My  good  Fkiexd  :  I  have  been  much  gratified  at  the 
feelings  which  prompted  you  to  write  to  me,  inviting  the 
Prince  of  Wales  to  visit  "Washington.  He  intends  to  return 
from  the  Canadas  through  the  United  States,  and  it  will  give 
him  great  pleasure  to  have  an  opportunity  of  testifying  to 
you  in  person  tliat  those  feelings  are  fully  reciprocated  by 
him.  He  will  thus  be  able,  at  the  same  time,  to  mark  the 
respect  which  he  entertains  for  the  chief  magistrate  of  a 
great  and  friendly  state  and  kindred  nation. 

"The  Prince  of   Wales  will  drop  all  royal  state  on  leaving 

my  dominions,  and  travel  under  the  name  of  Lord  Renfrew, 

as  he  has  done  when  travelling  on  the  Continent  of  Europe. 

The  Prince  Consort  wishes  to  be  kindly  remembered  to  you. 

'•  I  remain  ever  your  good  friend. 

"  Victoria,  R.'' 

From  a  newspaper  account : 

"The  Prince's  Visit  to  Bostox.  —  On  October  17,  about 
3.30  in  the  afternoon,  tlie  train  containing  the  royal  party 
stopped  at  the  Longwood  station  on  the  ]\Iill-dam.  On  its 
arrival.  Mayor  Lincoln  and  the  committee  descended  to  the 
platform  at  the  station,  and  when  the  Prince  stepped  from 
the  car  he  was  cordially  greeted  by  the  Mayor  and  others. 
He  then  took  the  IVIayor's  arm,  and  Avas  followed  by  the 
Duke  of  Newcastle,  Hon.  Edward  Everett,  and  the  members 
of  the  suite.     As  the  Prince  came  into  view,  he  was  saluted 


(U  MEMOIilM.     OF 

by  the  waving  of  haiulkeichiefs  by  a  crowd  of  ladies  oi»  the 
bank,  and  lie  acknowledged  the  compliment  by  sliglitly  raising 
his  hat.  A  band  in  tlie  vicinity  played  '  God  Save  the  Queen  ' 
at  the  moment.  The  Prince  was  dressed  in  a  dark  travelling 
suit  and  wore  a  black  hat.  Then  was  formed  the  procession 
as  it  was  to  pass  through  the  streets  of  Boston.  Gilmore's 
Band ;  the  ]^>oston  Light  Dragoons,  Captain  Pierce ;  the  Wal- 
tham  Dragoons,  Captain  Moore;  the  National  Lancers,  Cap- 
tain Fellows.  The  carriages  were  placed  in  the  centre  of  the 
column  of  the  Lancers  and  a  detachment  of  this  corps  acted 
as  a  guard  of  honor.  Tlie  line  of  march  was  taken  up 
through  the  grounds  of  Hon.  A.  A.  Lawrence,  of  Roxbury. 
The  start  took  place  at  about  a  ([uarter  before  four  o'clock 
and  the  head  of  the  column  reached  Bowdoin  square  at  about 
a  quarter  past  five.  First  carriage :  Lord  Renfrew  (the 
Prince),  Lord  Lyons,  the  British  Minister,  and  His  Honor 
Mayor  Lincoln.  Second  carriage  :  Tlie  Duke  of  Newcastle, 
Hon.  Edward  Everett,  Col.  N.  A.  Tliompson,  and  Alderman 
Faxon.  Several  other  carriages  followed  with  distiiigiushcd 
members  of  the  party. 

"  The  streets  were  thronged  with  people  and  the  Prince 
was  greeted  everywhere  with  great  enthusiasm,  constant 
cheering,  and  Avaving  of  handkerchiefs  and  flags,  all  along 
the  line.  In  several  places  the  two  ensigns,  the  English  and 
the  American,  were  side  by  side.  The  day  was  one  of  great 
excitement.  The  police  kept  open  a  large  space  of  ground 
in  front  of  the  Revere  House.  Behind  the  lines  of  police- 
men the  spectators  were  crowded  as  closely  as  human  beings 
possibly  could  be.  The  beautiful  and  animated  appearance 
of  the  surrounding  houses,  and  the  crowded  state  of  the 
stoops  and  windows,  all  combined  to  heighten  the  eifect  of 
the  spectacle.  When  the  {jrocession  appeared,  a  innuiltuous 
series  of  cheers  rent  the  air  in  token  of  welcome  to  the  son 
of  England's  Queen.  Slowly  the  Prince  and  suite  dis- 
iiM)iiiit('(l.  ami  entered  the  Revere  House.  Subsciiuently  the 
I'l'iiiee  sliowcil   liiiiiseH'  at  a  window  and  was  luslilv  clieered. 


FREDERIC     WALKER    LINCOLN.  f!5 

Finding  that  the  desire  to  see  him  increased,  he  stepped  out 
on  a  balcony,  bowed  several  times  in  acknowledgment  of  the 
compliments  of  the  assemblage,  and  then  returned  to  the 
reception-room.  A  formal  reception  then  followed,  the  in- 
vited guests,  including  Mr.  Everett  and  Mr.  Wiiitlirop,  who 
had  occupied  the  carriages  in  the  procession,  being  the  parties 
presented.     The  day  following  was  made  a  holiday. 

"  After  the  review  on  the  common  by  Governor  Banks,  the 
procession  was  formed  to  escort  the  royal  party  to  the  State 
House.  Tlie  crowds,  the  decorations,  the  enthusiasm,  and 
excitement  was  as  great  as  on  the  day  previous.  At  the 
State  House  a  line  collation  was  served  to  the  guests  and  a 
few  distinguished  persons.  After  the  collation  the  party 
examined  the  ancient  records,  maps,  and  parchments,  in  the 
governor's  room  ;  the  proceedings  by  qito  loarrante  vacating 
the  Colony  Charter  by  James  II.,  1686,  an  illuminated  Bible 
of  the  twelfth  century,  the  Province  Charter,  by  William  and 
Mary,  1691,  Indian  treaties,  and  other  ancient  documents. 

"  After  a  short  rest,  the  royal  party  privately  departed  by 
the  rear  entrance  to  the  State  House  and  drove  to  the  Revere  ; 
the  immense  crowd  in  front  of  the  State  House  waiting  anx- 
iously for  his  appearance.  The  crowd,  convinced  at  last  that 
the  assertions  of  the  police  were  true,  that  the  Prince  had 
gone,  made  all  haste  to  Tremont  street,  hoping  to  catcli,  if 
possible,  another  view  of  His  Royal  Highness  on  his  way  to 
Music  Hall. 

"  The  sight  which  met  the  eye  on  entering  the  hall  was  one 
which  aroused  every  sentiment  of  delight  and  admiration. 
The  beautiful  auditorium  was  fitted  for  the  occasion  in  the 
most  chaste  and  elegant  manner.  The  lower  balcony  was 
faced  with  scarlet  cloth,  slightly  festooned,  and  having  a 
richly  gilded  border.  The  second  balcony  was  festooned 
with  blue  damask,  having  two  stripes  of  gold  for  a  border. 
This  decoration  bore  on  a  circular  groundwork  of  white  with 
a  gilt  border,  tlie  inscription  :  '  Welcome,'  '  England,'  '  Amer- 
ica,' in  red  letters.     The  first  named  appeared  on  the  balcony 


06  MEMOniAL    OF 

across  tlie  lower  end  of  the  hall,  the  second  on  the  left  l>;il- 
cony,  and  the  tliird  on  tlie  right. 

"  The  doorways  to  the  second  balcony  were  beautifully 
arched  by  a  festoon  composed  of  the  flags  of  England  an<l 
America,  surmounted  by  tlie  Prince's  crest,  a  plume  of 
feathers,  and  his  motto  :  '  fcli  Dieii.'  In  each  corner  at  the 
lower  end  was  a  stand  of  colors,  borne  on  a  gilded  staff,  also 
crowned  by  the  Prince's  crest  and  motto.  Along  the  wall 
above  the  doorways  were  ranged  alternate  English  and 
American  flags.  The  organ  was  completely  covered  witli 
scarlet  damask,  having  the  Prince's  crest  represented  in  the 
centre. 

"  The  great  feature  of  the  occasion  and  the  one  on  which 
the  eye  rested  most  enraptured,  Avas  the  display  of  youthful 
female  loveliness  and  boyish  pride  wliich  crowned  the  upper 
end  of  the  hall.  Twelve  hundred  school  children,  the  major 
part  of  them  girls,  dressed  chiefly  in  snowy  white,  with  a  suf- 
flciency  of  variegated  apparel  to  increase  the  picturesqueness 
of  their  appearance,  occupied  the  wliole  upper  end  of  the 
hall.  The  two  balconies  were  fllled  with  gayly  dressed  and 
beautiful  ladies.  Surely  such  a  scene  is  not  often  witnessed, 
and  a  universal  expression  of  admiration  attested  the  effect 
upon  every  beholder.  A  little  farther  back  than  the  middle 
of  the  hall  was  a  spacious  elevated  platform,  covered  witli 
bright  red  carpeting,  whereupon  were  placed  a  large  number 
of  stuffed-seat  black-walnut  chairs,  which  were  occupied  by  a 
large  company  of  distinguished  people.  Among  them  were 
ex  Chief-Justice  Shaw",  Chief-Justice  Bigelow,  and  the  asso- 
sociate  justices  of  the  Supreme  Court;  Hon.  Charles  Sumner, 
Hon.  Pt.  C.  Winthrop,  Hons.  Josiah  Quincy,  senior  and  junior ; 
I'resident  Felton,  of  Harvard  College,  ex-Judge  P.  R.  Curtis. 
Kalitli  Waldo  Emerson,  Oliver  Wendell  Homes,  Hon.  Anson 
liurlingame,  and  others. 

"  In  front  of  these  was  a  row  of  chairs  trimme<l  with  crim- 
son plush,  looking  l)otli  elegant  and  comfortable.  Tliese  were 
for    tlic    I'riucP.    the    irovernor  oF    the    Commonwealth,    the 


FREDERIC    WALKETi     LINCOLX.  67 

Mayor  of  the  city,  and  the  I'linee's  suite.  At  fifteen  minutes 
past  five  o'clock  the  party  entered  and  after  they  were 
seated,  Mayor  Lincoln  gave  the  signal  and  the  band  and  the 
choir  of  twelve  hundred  school  children  burst  forth  in  inspir- 
ing strains  with  the  beautiful  ode  :  '  Our  Fathers'  Land,' 
by  Oliver  Wendell  Holmes." 

Then  followed  a  niost  delightful  and  enjoyable  concert. 
One  writer  says,  "  No  report  of  this  musical  festival  that  can 
be  written  will  convey  to  those  not  present  an  adecpiate  idea 
of  its  real  character.''  At  its  close  the  Prince  was  escorted  to 
the  Revere  House.  In  the  evening  the  Grand  Ball  took 
place  at  the  Boston  Theatre.  It  was  projected  by  the  leading 
citizens  of  Boston,  as  a  tribute  of  respect  to  the  youthful 
representative  of  a  nation  which  is  held  by  a  strong  bond  of 
sympathy  in  the  most  fraternal  union  with  our  own.  All 
that  a  refined  taste  could  suggest,  the  most  skilful  artists 
execute,  and  unlimited  expenditure  of  time  and  means  could 
procure,  was  brought  into  requisition  to  impart  brilliancy  and 
insure  success  to  the  undertaking.  A  large  and  efficient  com- 
mittee had  the  management  of  the  affair,  and  the  result  of 
their  labors  was  witnessed  in  the  complete  and  successful 
execution  of  all  their  arrangements. 

'•  The  auditorium  and  the  stage  thrown  into  one  long  and 
elegant  ball-room,  were  embellished  with  a  skill  and  correct- 
ness of  outline  that  showed  a  master  hand.  The  principal 
features  in  this  apartment  were  the  Prince's  tent,  the  orna- 
mentation of  the  balcony,  and  the  decoration  of  tlie  stage. 
The  Prince's  tent  was  erected  in  the  centre  of  the  first  circle, 
access  being  obtained  thereto  by  means  of  a  large  door  which 
had  been  cut  in  the  wall  for  the  purpose.  The  tent  was 
conical  in  shape,  and  was  made  of  black  and  crimson  velvet, 
the  American  eagle  standing  proudly  erect  on  the  summit. 
British  and  American  fiags  were  gracefully  intertwined  upon 
the  sides,  the  British  coat-of-arms  occupying  a  conspicuous 
position  upon  the  front.  The  I'rince's  crest  and  his  motto. 
'  Icli   Dh'n^  were  also  displayed   in    front,  while  tall   vases 


68  MEMOniAL     OF 

filled  with  flowers  were  disposed  about  tlie  inside  of  the  tent. 
The  stage  was  enclosed  and  long  minors  were  hung  at  inter- 
vals, and  three  elegant  chandeliers  down  the  centre,  and  four 
on  each  side,  threw  floods  of  brilliant  light  upon  the  throng 
beneath.  In  the  rear,  the  choicest  gems  of  our  greenhouses 
and  conservatories  had  been  placed,  the  centre  being  occupied 
by  a  large  marble  fountain,  the  cooling  spray  and  the  fra- 
grance of  the  flowers  satisfying  and  invigorating  the  senses  of 
all  who  came  within  their  influence.  Statues  of  Hebe  and 
Bacchus  reared  their  beautiful  forms  amidst  the  flowers, 
while  immense  bouquets  of  rare  flowers  were  disposed  about 
the  sides  of  this  almost  fairy  pavilion.  A  full  description  of 
the  wonderful  scene  would  fill  many  pages. 

"  The  Prince  arrived  in  his  private  box  about  twenty  min- 
utes after  ten,  where  he  was  eagerly  scanned  by  the  brilliant 
throng,  which  immediately  gathered  below  the  royal  tent. 
At  half-past  ten,  the  Prince  and  suite,  attended  by  the  Exec- 
utive Committee,  entered  upon  the  floor,  and  the  orchestra, 
having  plaj'ed  "  God  Save  the  Queen  ''  while  he  was  in  his 
box,  commenced  the  performance  of  music  for  a  quadrille. 
Mrs.  Mayor  Lincoln  had  the  honor  of  opening  the  ball  with 
the  Prince,  the  position  being  a])pro[)riately  liers.  as  the  afi^air 
was  a  city  matter. 

"  The  Prince  distributed  the  favor  of  his  presence  as  far  as 
possible,  dancing  in  many  sets,  and  the  fair  recipients  will 
have  it  to  tell  their  grandchildren  of  the  time  when  they 
danced  with  the  Prince  of  Wales.  Tlie  I'rince  retired  from 
the  hall  at  twenty  miiuites  before  four  o'clock,  and  the  ball 
closed  soon  after. 

"  The  day  following  was  devoted  to  visiting  localities  of 
interest  about  Boston,  including  a  visit  to  Harvard  College 
where  suitable  attentions  were  shown  him  by  the  faculty  and 
students  ;  to  Mt.  Auburn  and  Bunker  Hill,  to  the  Public 
Library,  Atheneum,  Historical  Society,  etc.  The  Prince  went 
from  Mt.  Auburn  to  Bunker  }{ill,  with  Garcelon  hold  of  the 
ribbons,  at  a  rate  of  twelve  miles  an  hour,  and  he  remarked 


FREDERKJ     WALKER    LINCOLN.  69 

to  the  jNIayor.  who  \v;is  with  him,  that  tliis  was  the  first  drive 
he  had  had  since  he  left  home.  The  Prince  presented  Mr. 
Garcelon  with  an  elegant  breast-pin,  in  the  form  of  the 
princely  crest,  as  a  token  of  his  appreciation.  It  was  of  gold 
thickly  stndded  with  emeralds  and  rubies.  The  Prince 
planted  two  trees  at  Mt.  Auburn,  one  the  Virgilia,  the  other 
the  puri:)le  beech. 

'•  In  the  afternoon  the  Prince  with  his  suite  called  infor- 
mally at  ]\Iayor  Lincoln's  house,  the  only  private  house  he  was 
allowed  to  enter  while  in  Boston,  where  he  again  met  Mrs. 
Lincoln  and  the  children,  with  a  very  few  friends  who  had 
been  invited  there  to  meet  him.  A  collation  was  served  for 
the  guests  in  the  dining-room.  The  following  day  the  Mayor 
escorted  the  Prince  and  party  to  Portland  by  special  train. 
In  this  brief  outline  of  the  Prince's  visit  to  Boston,  only  a 
slight  idea  is  given  of  the  completeness  of  all  the  arrange- 
ments, the  enthusiasm,  the  excitement,  the  ceremonies,  the 
military  escorts,  and  processions,  and  many  pleasant  incidents 
which  occurred  during  the  visit." 

We  will  sum  \\\)  tlie  impression  left  by  the  following 
quotation  : 

"  We  hear  but  one  opinion  of  the  admirable  manner  in 
which  the  committee  on  the  part  of  the  City  Council 
have  conducted  their  portion  of  the  reception  of  tlie 
Prince.  The  committee  consisted  of  His  Honor  Mayor 
Lincoln,  Aldermen  Amory,  Briggs,  and  Faxon,  President 
J.  Putnam  Bradlee,  and  Councilmen  Sanger,  Bradley, 
Allison,  Riley,  and  Heushaw,  and  these  gentlemen  have 
been  untiring  in  their  efforts  to  give  a  true  Boston  recep- 
tion. His  Honor  the  Mayor  has  especially  tilled  his  post 
with  dignity  and  efficiency,  and  the  royal  party  expressed 
the  most  unbounded  gratification  wdth  their  visit." 

In  that  same  year,  1860,  there  was  much  interest  in  car- 


TO  MEMORIAL     OF 

lying  <jut  iinpioveineiits  on  the  Public  Garden.  The 
pond  was  excavated,  grading  and  curbing  done,  and  a 
})leasant  system  inaugurated  in  the  planting  of  trees  by 
individuals.  ( )n  October  25  Mayor  Lincoln  planted  there 
an  English  oak  and  Mrs.  Lincoln  a  red  oak,  while  their 
two  eldest  children  aided,  b}'  shovelling  in  some  earth, 
^lany  trees  were  planted  by  distinguished  persons,  resi- 
dents as  well  as  visitors  in  Boston.  A  record  of  these 
trees,  their  location,  and  by  whom  set  out,  is  kept  by  the 
City  Engineer  for  the  benefit  of  posterity. 

On  November  10  the  Continental  Bank  was  organized, 
of  w^hieh  Mr.  Lincoln  was  an  original  director,  retaininir 
that  position  until  his  death. 

On  November  22  Mayor  Lincoln  went  to  New  York 
with  the  Land  Commission. 

At  that  time  there  was  increasing  interest  and  anxiet}' 
in  regard  to  the  safety  of  the  Union,  and  while  in  New 
York  on  November  25  Mr.  Lincoln's  journal  mentions 
a  call  he  made  upon  Senator  Chittenden,  of  Kentucky, 
"  to  talk  over  the  affairs  of  the  Union."  He  (Senator 
Chittenden)  thought  the  danger  was  imminent,  and  the 
Union  would  not  ''  last  six  months." 

On  December  3  there  was  great  excitement,  owing  to  a 
called  meeting  to  be  held  that  da}^  in  Tremont  Temple, 
it  being  the  anniversary  of  John  Brown's  execution. 
The  call  read: 

•'  A  Public  Couventioii  will  be  held  in  Tremont  Temple 
during  the  day  and  evening  of  to-day,  December  3,  to  mark 
the  anniversary  of  the  martyrdom  of  John  Brown  (which 
occurred  Dec.  2,  1859),  and  to  consider  the  great  question  of 
our  age,  '  How  can  American  Slavery  be  Abolished  ?  '     The 


FRKDEh'IC     WALKEl!    LINCOLN.  71 

speakers  who  will  aildress  the  meeting-  will  conHne  them- 
selves exclusively  to  the  great  (piestion  of  the  day,  for  it 
would  be  a  work  of  supererogation  now  to  defend  John 
Brown  and  a  useless  waste  of  time  to  eulogize  him,  and  it  is 
believed  that  a  practical  consideration  of  the  above  subject 
will  be  the  most  appropriate  commemoration  of  his  glorious 
death.  The  Convention  will  not  be  one  for  debate,  but  each 
speaker  will  give  his  own  views  on  the  question  in  as  brief  a 
manner  as  he  may  be  able,  and  no  person  will  speak  more 
than  once.  Invitations  have  been  extended  to  most  of  the 
prominent  anti-slavery  men  and  politicians  of  the  country." 

Among  those  signifying  their  intention  of  being  pres- 
ent were  Wendell  Philli[)S,  Frederick  Douglass,  and  John 
Brown,  Jr. 

Tliis  was  the  second  John  Brown  meeting  in  Tremont 
Temple,  the  first  having  taken  place  a  year  before,  over 
which  John  A.  Andrew  presided.  This  second  call  was 
signed  by  men  who  were  active  and  prominent  in  the 
former  meeting,  and  it  was  understood  and  claimed  by 
the  friends  of  the  meeting  to  be  but  a  continuation  of  the 
series.  While  there  were  many  citizens  of  weight  and 
respectability  in  the  city  who  deplored  and  deprecated 
the  movement  for  a  meeting  of  this  character,  at  this 
juncture,  and  while  some  indistinct  rumors  were  given 
out  that  there  would  be  opposition  to  the  meeting,  no 
idea  was  formed  as  to  the  determined  character  of  the 
sentiment  (that  no  such  meeting  should  be  held  in  this 
city),  and  of  the  strength  of  numbers  and  respectability 
of  those  who  were  determined  to  interpose  their  influ- 
ence to  stop  it. 

The  hall  gradually  filled  up,  and  at  half-past  ten  sev- 
eral hundred  were  present,  about  a  hundred  of    whom 


72  Mi:M()i;i.\f.    of 

were  females.  I^vcrvtliiiiL,^  leinaiiied  (^uiet,  with  tlie  ex- 
ception of  an  occasional  call  for  the  managers  of  the 
meeting  to  appear,  when  James  Redpath  (white),  followed 
by  Fredeiic'k  Douglass  (colored),  Frank  B.  Sanljorn 
(white),  of  Concord,  Rev.  J.  Selia  Martin  (colored), 
William  Wells  Brown  (colored),  and  a  few  otheis,  white 
and  colored,  issned  from  an  ante-room  and  appeared  upon 
the  i)latfoim.  The  meeting  was  called  to  order  by  Mr. 
Martin,  who  })roceeded  to  make  some  remarks.  He 
had  spoken  but  a  few  sentences  before  some  one  on  the 
floor  of  the  hall  fell  to  groaning  as  if  in  great  agony  of 
spirit.  Upon  this  sound  being  heard,  Mr.  R.,  with  others 
who  were  seated  with  him  u})on  the  platform,  hurriedly 
left  it  and  proceeded  to  the  place  of  disturbance.  This 
was  the  beginning  of  more  trouble,  and  in  a  few  moments 
the  whole  assembly  was  in  an  uproar.  There  were  efforts 
by  some  to  quiet  the  meeting,  and  the  party  from  the 
platform  finally  found  their  wa}'  back  again,  and  again 
Mr.  Martin  tried  to  speak,  but  could  only  utter  a  few 
words  when  he  was  interrupted  b}"  another  uproar,  and 
things  looked  serious. 

Word  was  sent  to  the  Mayor,  b}'  the  superintendent  of 
the  hall,  who  feared  it  might  be  injured,  by  the  chief 
of  police,  and  others,  asking  if  the  hall  might  be  closed ; 
that  the  opposition  had  control  of  the  meeting  and  the 
disturbance  misfht  lead  to  riot  and  bloodshed,  and  tuiallv 
seeing  the  necessity,  but  not  wishing  to  interfere  too  soon, 
he  ordered  the  police  to  clear  the  hall,  which  they  did, 
and  quiet  was  restored,  although  there  was  more  or  less 
excitement  all  day.  The  friends  of  the  movement,  how- 
ever, held  a  meeting  in  the  evening,  at  the  colored  church 


FREDERIC     WALKER    LINCOLN.  73 

ill  Joy  street.  As  there  were  some  fears  of  a  disturbaiu-e 
or  riot,  tlie  authorities  had  them  protected  by  a  large 
posse  of  police,  and  the  Lancers  and  the  Second  Battalion 
were  under  arms  to  be  called  u})on  for  duty,  if  required. 
Although  there  were  great  crowds  in  all  the  streets  in 
the  vicinity  of  the  church,  and  much  excitement,  there 
was  not  iniu'li  troul)le.  The  military  not  being  needed, 
Mayor  Lincoln  later  visited  the  armory  and  expressed 
his  thanks. 

Shortly  after  this,  Wendell  Phillips  made  an  address  in 
Music  Hall  on  a  Sunday,  amid  a  great  deal  of  excitement, 
and  fears  were  entertained  by  many  that  there  would 
again  be  serious  trouble,  l)ut  the  police  proved  themselves 
able  to  keep  down  actual  violence.  These  were  exciting- 
days,  and  the  whole  community  was  stirred. 

On  December  15  the  ^layor  and  his  wife,  with  a 
party  of  gentlemen  with  their  wives,  took  a  short  trip  to 
Washington  for  pleasure  and  business  combined.  In 
Washington  they  found  much  excitement  in  regard  to 
the  dissolution  of  the  LTnion.  In  the  Senate  the  Mayor 
heard  Mr.  Wade  speak  on  secession.  Part  of  his  busi- 
ness, however,  was  in  regard  to  the  harbor. 

During  the  year  the  subject  of  a  new  building  for  the 
City  Hall  was  agitated,  but  it  was  deemed  inexpedient 
to  go  to  the  expense  of  one.  It  was  brought  forward, 
however,  and  started  the  next  year  under  Mayor  Wight- 
man.  Also  in  1860  the  Massachusetts  Institute  of 
Technology  was  organized ;  at  the  meeting  Mr.  Lincoln 
presided,  and  from  that  time  on  he  was  actively  interested 
in  the  institute  as  trustee.  Professor  Rogers,  the  first 
President,  upon  taking  the  chair,  remarked,  "  that  if  the 


74  mi:m()i;i.\i.    of 

eiiterpi'isc  pi'ovt'tl  succcssl'iil,  of  wliidi  there  was  an  cxct'l- 
leiit  prospect,  tlie  individuals  who  were  engaged  in  it  might 
well  feel  proud  of  their  efforts,  and  they  would  be  entitled 
to  the  eiulurino-  thanks  and  honor  of  the  coinnuinity."' 

On  December  81  Major  Lincoln  delixered  a  vale- 
dictory address  before  the  School  Committee,  and  on 
-January  5  one  before  the  lioard  of  Aldermen,  on  the 
Ttli  ending  his  official  connection  with  the  City  Gov- 
ernment. The  closing  meeting  of  the  Board  of  Aldermen 
was  held  that  forenoon.  Alderman  Clapp  in  the  chair. 

Alderman  IJailey  offered  the  following  resoluljoiu 
which  was  unanimously  adopted : 

"  Resolved^  That  the  thanks  of  this  Board  are  due  and 
are  hereby  tendered  to  His  Honor  the  iNIa^'or  for  the 
uniform  courtesy  and  dignity  of  his  bearing,  and  the 
ability  and  impartiality  which  he  has  brought  to  the  dis- 
charge of  his  duties  in  presiding  over  our  deliberations 
during  the  past  year,  and  that,  in  closing  our  official 
connection,  we  express  our  hearty  wishes  for  his  success 
and  liai)piness  in  the  future." 

The  Mayor  replied  to  the  vote  in  the  follo^\  ing  address  ; 

'•  Gentlemeyi  of  the  Board  of  Aldermen  :  Your  compli- 
mentary vote,  just  communicated  to  me  by  the  City  Clerk, 
again  recalls  me  to  this  chair.  For  the  last  time  I  am  to 
l)e  its  occupant,  surrounded  by  the  pleasant  circle  of 
friends  and  associates  who  have  so  often  met  in  this 
chamber,  and  taken  counsel  together  upon  the  public 
affairs  of  our  beloved  city.  It  must  be  a  hardened  and 
callous  nature  that  does  not  feel  stirred  at  such  a  inomi'ut 
with  emotions  almost  too  deep  for  utterance. 


FREDERIC     WALKER    LINCOLN.  lb 

"  This  feelinjj;-  is  caused,  not  by  a  regret  that  some  oi' 
our  number  are  about  parting  witli  that  ot'lieial  power  and 
influence,  which  througli  the  confidence  of  their  feUow- 
citizens  they  have  possessed.  This  is  rather  a  reason  for 
congratulation,  as  we  are  tliereby  relieved  from  those  per- 
sonal cares  and  I'esponsibilities  which  have  often  seemed 
so  heavy  to  bear.  But  our  sensil)ilities  are  quickened  l)y 
the  fact  that  the  ties  which  have  bound  us  together  are  to 
be  severed ;  that  daily  intercourse  which  has  so  enliv- 
ened our  passage  through  the  year  is  brought  to  a  close  ; 
the  bond  of  our  connection  is  loosened,  and  again  we 
are  to  pursue  our  separate  courses,  uncheered  by  each 
other's  societ}-. 

"I  do  not  know  of  any  official  position  which  brings,  in 
so  man}'  intimate  and  personal  relations,  its  members,  as 
the  upper  branch  of  our  City  Council.  Such  is  the  mul- 
titude and  magnitude  of  the  interests  entrusted  to  the 
Board  of  Aldermen,  that  its  members,  if  they  are  true  to 
their  obligations,  are  daily,  almost  hourly,  together.  A 
member  usually  spends  more  time  with  his  associates  of 
the  Board  tlian  even  with  his  family  at  home.  Each 
one's  virtues  and  failings  become  transparent  by  this 
mutual  and  close  communion,  the  welfare  of  the  cit}^  be- 
comes the  common  centre  of  affection,  and  to  promote  its 
advancement  in  all  those  matters  for  which  its  govern- 
ment is  organized  constitutes  as  strong  a  bond  of  union 
as  usually  falls  to  the  lot  of  man. 

"  The  mayor  of  tlie  city,  although  not  one  of  the  mem- 
bers of  the  Board,  is  still  closely  allied  to  it  by  the  nature 
of  his  official  duties.  Apart  from  it  by  the  prerogatives 
of  his  office,  he  is  still  in  daily  intercourse  with  its  mem- 


76  MEMOIHAI.     OF 

bers,  ami  i)re.si(U's  over  its  iiioic  foniial  (Icliljciatiuns. 
His  position  gives  him  the  hest  opportunity  to  become  ae- 
quainted  with  the  motives  of  its  members,  as  it  is  liis  <luty 
to  pass  in  judgment  upon  their  measures.  Happy  it  is 
when  this  mutual  intercourse  ius[)ires  mutual  respect  and 
esteem,  and  such  have  ever  been  our  relations  to  each 
other. 

"In  accoi'dance  with  the  formalities  of  this  closing 
hour  you  have  been  pleased  to  pass  the  customary  resolu- 
tions of  thanks  for  the  mauner  in  which  I  have  presided 
over  your  meetings,  and  your  regrets  as  we  separate  fiom 
one  another.  These  votes  will  be  duly  recorded  on  your 
journals,  but  your  kindness  during  the  whole  year  is  more 
deeply  engraved  upon  my  heart. 

"  It  is  well  that  in  })arting,  mutual  kind  sentiments  and 
genei'ous  emotions  should  tiud  an  utterance ;  but  how 
pleasant  to  remember  that  during  the  whole  i)ast  noth- 
ing has  occui-red  to  make  such  sentiments  otherwise  than 
true,  and  that  the  fair  mirror  of  the  heart's  tablet  has 
not  been  tarnished  by  a  single  stain  I 

"  Allow  me  sincerely  and  truthfully  to  thank  you,  one 
and  all,  for  that  consideration  and  respect  which  have 
ever  characterized  all  your  conduct  towards  me.  My 
acknowledgments  and  gratitude  arc  due  not  only  for 
those  courtesies  which  have  naturally  grown  out  of  our 
ollicial  relations,  but  those  which  I  have  experienced 
in  the  more  private  walks  of  social  life  and  the  circle  of 
friendly  intercourse. 

"To-day  we  close  another  year  in  the  municipal  history 
of  Boston,  r  l)elieve  its  record  will  be  fair  and  hoiior- 
al)le  to  those  who  have  had  in  some  measure  the  control 


FEEDEBIC    WALKEIi    LINCOLN.  77 

of  its  destinies.  The  pressure  of  public  duties  has  been 
uinisiirtll}-  severe.  I  commend  ^^our  fidelity  to  tlie  im- 
portant interests  which  have  been  specially  in  your  charge. 
The  subjects  which  have  demanded  your  consideration 
have  embraced  nearly  the  whole  circle  of  municipal 
legislation.  Tliey  have  been  met,  I  believe,  with  an 
earnest  desire  on  your  part  to  so  determine  tliem  as  will 
best  promote  the  welfare  of  your  constituents. 

"In  conformity  to  custom  the  chairman  of  your  Board 
will  review  some  of  the  leading  measures  which  have 
engaged  your  attention,  which  will  obviate  the  necessity 
of  any  allusion  to  them  on  my  own  part.  These  are 
some  enterprises  which  have  been  projected,  matured,  and 
finished  during  the  year,  while  there  are  others  which 
will  require  the  next  government  to  complete.  It  is 
hoped  that  their  expediency  will  commend  themselves 
to  our  successors  so  that  they  may  be  carried  on  in  the 
spirit  which  originally  designed  them. 

""We  also  close  to-day  our  administration  of  city  af- 
fairs, so  far  as  the  office  of  its  chief  magistrate  is  con- 
cerned. It  is  an  occasion  which  he  gladly  welcomes,  as 
affording  him  an  o[)portunity  to  return  his  acknowledg- 
ments, not  only  to  his  immediate  associates  of  the  present 
government,  but  to  testify  to  that  courtesy  which  has 
been  shown  him  by  all  departments  of  the  public  service 
during  his  whole  official  term. 

"  The  generous  confidence  which  has  been  placed  in 
him  by  his  fellow-citizens  in  repeated  elections,  and  the 
civilities  and  honors  which  have  so  often  been  tendered 
him  by  all  parties  and  classes  of  the  jieople,  have  im- 
posed a  debt  of  gratitude  which  time  nevei'  can   repay. 


78  MEMORIAL     OF 

"  Tliit'e  years  since,  I  entered  u[)()n  the  duties  of  mayor 
under  peculiar  circumstances,  with  no  experience  in 
municipal  affaii-s,  and  with  but  little  ambition  for  that 
renown  which  often  insi)ires  the  aspirant  for  political 
station  ;  I  proceeded  to  the  discharge  of  my  official  obli- 
gations with  distrust,  relying  ujion  the  support  and  cooj)- 
eration  of  those  whom  the  people  had  associated  with  me 
in  its  government.  That  confidence  was  not  misplaced. 
There  has  been  a  cordial  and  singular  unity  of  action  be- 
tween the  coordinate  branches  of  the  government,  and  I 
retire  with  no  serious  disappointments  as  to  the  failure 
of  favorite  measures  and  no  lieart-burnings  against  friends 
or  opponents. 

"I  came  into  the  government  an  independent  man,  free 
from  all  obligations  or  pledges  to  parties  or  partisans,  and 
anxious  only  to  do  my  duty  to  the  whole  people.  I  can 
truly  say  that,  so  far  as  the  members  of  the  government 
are  concerned,  there  has  been  no  attempt  to  swerve  me 
from  the  position  which  I  have  ever  maintained.  I  have 
considered,  during  my  term  of  ofiice,  party  politics  of  but 
little  importance  in  the  management  of  municipal  con- 
cerns, and  have  deemed  integrity  of  character  more  essen- 
tial than  adherence  to  any  political  faith. 

"  The  purpose  of  iny  administration,  so  far  as  it  con- 
cerns mj^self,  has  been  simple  and  })lain,  taking  the 
charter  for  my  guide.  I  have  not  endeavored  to  magnify 
my  office  or  to  lose  any  of  its  prerogatives  or  powers.  I 
have  taken  none  of  the  means  to  seek  oi' retain  popularity, 
but  while  happy  to  receive  the  a|)i)rol)ation  of  my  fellow- 
citi/ens,  have  still  thought  to  satisfy  my  own  sense  of 
duty  to  be  of  more  consequence  than  popular  ap])lause. 


FREDERIC     WALKER    LINCOLN.  79 

"Three  years,  though  an  important  portion  of  tlie  life 
of  an  individual,  is  comparatively  a  small  term  in  the 
existence  of  a  municipality.  It  is  soon  forgotten,  but  I 
trust  none  of  the  vital  interests  of  the  city  have  suffered 
during  this  period ;  that  we  have  kept  up  with  the  fjrogress 
of  the  times,  and  inqirovements  have  been  introduced 
which  will  be  of  lasting  benefit  to  the  community. 

"  A  new  administration  is  soon  to  assume  the  conduct 
of  our  affairs.  At  its  head  is  a  gentleman  who  has 
achieved  a  good  reputation  for  his  interest  in  public 
matters,  and  who  has  had  much  experience  in  municipal 
concerns.  We  should  welcome  him  and  his  coadjutors 
to  the  place  we  have  filled,  trusting  that  the  credit  and 
good  name  of  our  cit}-  will  remain  unimpaired  in  their 
hands. 

"  We  are  now  about  to  separate ;  let  us  be  thankful 
for  the  opportunity  we  have  enjoyed  to  bear  an  honored 
part  in  the  promotion  of  the  public  weal.  We  have  com- 
mitted errors,  no  doubt ;  we  liave  not  had  strength,  per- 
haps, to  carry  out  all  our  good  jmrposes ;  a  generous 
people  will  pardon,  if  they  are  satisfied  as  to  the  integrity 
of  our  motives.  Let  the  friendships  formed  iiere  be  con- 
tinued in  the  private  life  upon  which  most  of  us  are  to 
enter,  and  may  the  blessing  of  Heaven  rest  upon  our  city 
and  all  its  inhabitants  !  " 

In  regard  to  tlic  retirement  of  Mayor  Lincoln  one 
writer  said : 

"  Mr.  Lincoln  terminates  liis  official  duties  as  mayor  on 
Monday  next,  having  served  three  years,  and  may  we  not 
add,  his  administration  has  been  eminently  successful  and 
satisfactory  to  a  very  large  majority  of  our  citizens  '.'     We 


80  MEMOIllAL     OF 

believe  we  are  not  bestowing  untlue  }jiaise  by  saying  this,  for 
we  think  it  is  the  sentiment  of  the  public.  ^Iv.  Lincoln  has 
on  all  occasions  acquitted  himself  with  marked  propriety  and 
ability,  and  as  the  representative  of  our  city,  wherever  he 
has  been,  at  home  or  abroad,  there  has  been  no  tongue  to 
cavil  at  his  words  or  his  acts.  He  is  by  nature  and  educa- 
tion a  conservative  man,  and  has  given  that  impress  to  his 
official  duties,  checking,  when  in  his  power,  any  inclination 
to  illegal  or  radical  measures.  His  zeal  in  behalf  of  our 
harbor  has  been  one  of  the  most  prominent  features  of  his 
administration,  and  the  good  results  which  Avill  flow  from  it 
will  long  beneiit  the  commerce  and  trade  of  Boston.  Like 
the  magistrate  of  old,  JNIr.  Lincoln  would  no  doubt  accept  all 
the  censure  which  might  be  bestowed  upon  his  official  acts, 
if  his  name  could  be  connected  with  them,  leaving  posterity 
to  bestow  the  impartial  verdict. 

"  Mr.  Lincoln  having  been  chosen  as  a  citizen's  candidate, 
receiving  the  votes  of  all  parties,  he  has  been  most  faithful 
to  his  position.  We  do  not  think  that  in  any  act  or  appoint- 
ment he  has  given  politics  a  passing  thought,  and  every  man 
who  has  had  experience  in  our  city  matters,  who  is  not  striv- 
ing to  secure  party  ends,  will  agree  that  it  is  to  be  regretted 
that  politics  has  again  been  introduced  into  our  city  affairs. 
It  has  no  more  business  there  than  in  the  management  of 
a  manufacturing  corporation.  Mayor  Lincoln  has  not 
attempted  to  equalize  the  offices,  or  even  construct  his  com- 
mittees with  a  regard  to  the  political  complexion  of  men,  but 
has  ignored  all  such  claims  and  based  his  selection  upon  the 
(jualificutions  of  the  members  or  applicants.  In  doing  this 
he  has  acted  wisely. 

"  j\[r.  T.,incoln  carries  into  his  retirement  a  mind  enlarged 
by  the  experiences  he  has  had  as  mayor,  a  position  which 
brings  a  man  into  direct  communication  with  the  representa- 
tives of  all  classes,  and  with  scenes  of  all  shades.  It  is  a 
school  which  destroys  all  the  theoretical  tendencies  of  a  man's 
disposititiii.  and  renders  him  practical  and  observing.      We 


FREDERIC     WALKER    LINCOLN.  8l 

believe  that  many  years  will  not  be  allowed  to  pass  over  his 
head  before  he  will  again  be  called  upon  to  serve  the  citizens 
who  have  placed  their  trusts  in  his  hands  and  found  him  a 
working,  a  thoughtful,  and  affable  public  officer." 

How  soon  that  prophecy  proved  true  I  Although  the 
two  following  years  he  was  free  from  those  great  respon- 
sibilities of  the  mayor's  office,  they  were  busy  ones, 
carrying  his  thought  and  energy  into  many  different 
channels. 

In  December,  1861,  Mr.  Lincoln  took  a  trip  to  Wash- 
ington, and  some  extracts  from  letters  to  his  wife  at  that 
time  are  here  inserted  : 

"  Washington,  Monday  Evening, 

"Dec.  16,  1861. 

"■  Dear  Wife  :  We  have  all  arrived  liere  this  evening 
well,  having  had  a  very  pleasant  journey.  There  was  a 
great  deal  of  excitement  last  year,  you  remember,  when 
we  were  here  ;  but  now  it  is  tenfold  in  degree.  It  is 
said  there  are  a  thousand  people  at  the  hotel,  and  nearly 
all  the  passengers  were  told  to-night  that  there  were  no 
rooms  for  them,  but  ]\Ir.  Willard  hap[)ened  to  be  in  the 
office  and  he  found  rooms  for  us  at  his  brother's  on  the 
opposite  corner,  and  we  are  very  comfortable. 

"  After  we  passed  Philadelphia,  we  saw  cam})S  and 
soldiers  nearly  all  the  way  on  the  line  of  the  railroads, 
and  Washington,  of  course,  is  full.  The  news  from 
Europe  to-day  has  not  caused  so  much  excitement  here 
as  it  will  probably  all  over  the  country;  the  Government, 
I  understand,  do  not  think  it  ([uite  so  serious  as  the  news- 
papers make  it.      However,  it  is  bad  enough,  and   no  one 


82  MEMORIAL     OF 

knows  what  the  next  yeiir  will  bring  about  in  the  desti- 
nies of  tilt'  country.  There  are  a  good  many  Bostonians 
in  Washington.  We  probably  c-ould  not  be  here  in  a 
more  excitable  week. 

"  We  have  laid  out  no  programme  for  the  future,  but  I 
shall  keep  you  advised  of  our  movements.  I  trust  you 
are  all  well,  and  with  kisses  and  love  for  you  and  the 
children,  I  now  bid  you  good-night. 

"•  Your  affectionate  husband, 

"  F.  W.  LmcoLN,  Jr." 

••  N\'ei>nesdav,  Dec.  IS,  18til. 

"Dear  Wife:  Mrs.  Willard,  our  landlady,  asked  nic 
this  morning  what  I  would  give  for  a  present,  and  I 
received  with  much  pleasure  your  letter  of  Monday.  We 
have  not  yet  seen  much  of  Washington  excepting  at  the 
hotel,  having  spent  yesterday  and  to-day  in  \'irgiuia 
visiting  the  camps.  The  great  Army  of  the  Potomac 
consists  probably  of  between  two  or  three  hundred  thou- 
sand men,  furnished  in  the  most  perfect  manner  with  all 
the  modern  improvements  of  civilized  warfare.  The 
camps  reach  for  many  miles  along  tlu'  lianks  of  the  river: 
some  appear  dirty  and  uncomfortable,  while  a  majority  of 
them  are  fitted  with  everything  to  make  them  agreeable. 
Some  of  the  officers"  tents  have  fireplaces  with  wood  or 
coal  fires,  carpets,  looking-glasses,  and  pictures,  like  the 
rooms  of  a  house.  The  majority  of  the  men,  so  far  as 
health  is  concerned,  are  better  off  than  if  they  were  at 
home,  and  the  whole  affair  now  has  the  appearance  as  if 
the  people  had  tiuiu'(l  out  on  a  giand  excursion  of  pleas- 
uif.      I'ossibly  this  appearance  ol  things  may  be  owing  to 


FREDERIC    WALKER    LINCOLN.  83 

the  two  beautiful  clajs  which  we  have  spent  in  their 
company  and  the  hearty  welcome  with  which  we  were 
received.  There  may  be  suffering,  but  I  must  confess 
we  saw  nothing  of  the  kind  and  the  soldiers  would  not 
acknowledge  it.  I  have  seen  quite  a  number  of  ladies 
who  are  visiting  the  camps  living  with  their  husbands, 
among  them  Mrs.  Lyman,  who  is  a  daughter  of  James 
T.  Austin,  and  iNIrs.  Colonel  Green,  who  is  a  daughter 
of  the  late  Robert  G.  Shaw.  The  ladies  in  camp  have 
their  riding  dresses  with  them,  and  you  see  them  flying 
about  with  the  officers  from  camp  to  camp,  giving  a 
highly  picturesque  shading  to  the  lively  excitement  of 
the  outdoor  life. 

"  I  cannot  give  j'ou  in  detail  an  account  of  the  camps. 
The  letters  of  Perley  and  Carlton  in  the  '  Journal "  give  a 
very  correct  sketch  of  them.  No  American  citizen  v;ho 
can  afford  it  should  omit  to  see  with  liis  own  eyes  this 
great  army ;  it  probably  was  never  surpassed  in  the  his- 
tor}^  of  the  world.  We  never  can  more  fully  realize  the 
great  extent  of  our  country,  as  when  we  see  combined  in 
one  array  so  many  thousand  men  whose  homes  are  thou- 
sands of  miles  apart,  or  the  great  issue  at  stake,  as  such  a 
spectacle  as  we  have  witnessed  presents.  One  feels  proud 
of  his  country,  and  cannot  but  hope  that  Providence  has 
a  great  destiny  for  us.  We  have  not  yet  made  our  plans 
for  the  future ;  there  are  aljout  sixty  thousand  men  on 
this  side  we  have  not  seen,  besides  the  army  at  Annapolis 
and  the  division  under  General  Banks.  We  shall  en- 
deavor to  see  them  before  we  go  home,  but  cannot  say 
now  when. 

"To-day  we  were  present    at  a  grand    sham  light  of 


H4  MEMORIAL     OF 

General  McDowell.s  division,  consisting  of  from  liftmen  to 
twenty  thousand  men.  The  lint'  of  battle  and  the  move- 
ments were  the  same  as  in  a  real  battle,  excepting  the 
[)resence  of  an  eneni}'.  It  was  a  very  exciting  scene.  I 
felt  that  if  it  had  l)een  real,  and  a  man  had  been  shot,  1 
should  have  siiatclied  his  gun  and  tluown  myself  into  the 
tight,  regardless  of  consequences.  The  only  regret  or 
complaint  I  heard  fi'om  the  soldiers  was  that  (ieneral 
iMcC'lellan  did  not  give  them  active  work.  Yesterday 
we  were  visiting  one  of  the  camps.  Soon  after  we  left, 
there  was  a  report  that  the  enemy  had  attacked  the  pick- 
ets about  live  miles  off,  and  in  ten  minutes  several  regi- 
ments were  ready  and  run  to  the  place.  We  saw  one 
regiment  this  morning  which  had  laid  on  their  arms  all 
night  waiting  for  the  enem}-.  Last  evening  the  president 
and  jNIrs.  Lincoln  held  a  reception  ;  it  was,  of  course,  quite 
crowded.  I  must  now  close.  I  am  having  a  glorious 
time  ;  my  companions  are  all  I  could  desire  ;  we  have  a 
good  deal  of  fun.  Please  give  kisses  to  the  children,  the 
same  to  yourself,  from 

••  Your  affectionate  husband." 

"  Washtngton,  Dec.  19,  1861. 

''Thursda}'  Evening. 

"  Dear  Wife  :  To-day  we  have  spent  in  Washington, 
makino-  calls  and  attendino-  to  business.  I  do  not  make 
much  progress  regarding  the  prisoners  held  as  hostages  ; 
the  Government  are  to  work  on  the  subject,  but  do  not 
see  tlie  wa}^  clear  to  address  the  Confederate  States  on  the 
subject  without  compromising  themselves.  I  have  met 
some  gentlemen  who  are  here  for  the  same  object,  and 
we  are  workiuij  toofether. 


FREDERIC     WALKER     LINCOLN.  85 

"  I  forgot  to  mention  yesterday  that  I  went  to  the 
camp  at  Hunters'  Capel,  Avhere  Fred  Revere  is,  but  he 
was  absent  on  picket  duty  about  three  miles  from  the 
camp.  I  suppose  there  is  some  anxiety  to  hear  from 
Washington  respecting  the  prospect  of  war  with  England, 
but  it  is  as  much  a  matter  of  doubt  here  as  elsewhere. 
The  more  the  question  is  discussed  as  growing  out  of  the 
laws  of  nature  the  more  difficult  it  becomes.  Able  men 
differ  on  the  question.  The  official  dispatches  arrived 
only  this  morning. 

"I  cannot  tell  when  we  shall  set  our  faces  towards 
home.  Mr.  T.  will  telegraph  to-morrow  where  our  next 
letters  will  be  sent.  It  will  be  safe,  however,  to  direct 
to  the  Gilmore  House,  Baltimore,  if  you  put  the  letter  in 
the  post-office  on  Sunday. 

"  As  it  is  quite  late,  I  will  not  say  anything  more  at 
present.  Give  my  love  to  the  chickens,  with  lots  of 
kisses  to  them  as  well  as  to  yourself,  and  believe  me  to 

be 

"  Yours  very  truly, 

''F.  W.  Lincoln,  Jk." 

In  March,  1862,  another  interesting  visit  to  Washing- 
ton was  made,  of  which  the  following  letter  speaks : 

"  Washington,  March  1<>,  1802. 

"Dear  Wife:  I  wrote  a  brief  note  to  you  on  Thurs- 
day night.  On  Friday  we  were  called  at  5  o'clock  in  the 
morning,  and  started  for  Washington,  arriving  about  six 
o'clock ;  put  up  at  Willard's,  where  we  found  rooms 
engaged  for  us.  At  the  hotel  we  found  delegates  from 
the  Chamber  of  Commerce  of  New  York  and  Philadel- 


86  MEMORIAL     OF 

phia,  who  had  been  summoned  to  Washington  on  the  same 
business.  At  eight  o'clock  we  went  to  the  War  Depart- 
ment. The  secretary  of  war  was  \vaiting  to  meet  us. 
It  was  a  very  solemn  and  impressive  meeting,  the  secre- 
tary stating  that  the  events  of  last  Sunday  formed  one 
of  tlie  most  exciting  epochs  of  modern  times  and  would 
create  a  profound  sensation  throughout  the  civilized 
w'orld.  It  was  the  successful  effect  of  a  new  engine  of 
war  and  would  revolutionize  the  whole  system  of  warfare. 
The  immediate  danger  to  all  our  hirge  cities  was  great, 
and  he  had  called  together  the  representatives  of  the 
three  large  cities  to  give  him  advice  and  counsel  as  to 
the  best  means  to  avert  the  danger. 

"  I  will  not  state  all  that  was  said  or  done,  but  enough 
now  to  say  that  we  have  had  conferences  with  the  presi- 
dent and  the  secretary  of  the  navy,  and  other  officials  in 
Washino-ton. 

o 

''Yesterday  I  dined  with  General  Totten  and  his 
family ;  liad  a  very  pleasant  time.  jNIrs.  T.  Avished  to  be 
remembered  to  you. 

"  To-day  attended  the  Unitarian  chureli ;  heard  Mr. 
Channing  preach. 

"There  is   tlie  same  excitement  as  usual  liere.     The 

weather  is  very  bad ;  rained  hard  yesterday  and  same 

to-day.     I  cannot  tell  when  I  shall  start  for  home  ;  prol> 

ably  not  before  Tuesday.     I  shall  expect  to  meet  two  or 

three  letters  from  you  at  the  Fifth-avenue   Hotel,  New 

York.    I  received  a  letter  from  Mr.  II.  last  evening.    My 

love  to  all  and  kisses  for  you  and  the  chickens ;  believe 

me  to  be 

"Truly  your  husband, 

"  F.  W.  Lincoln,  Ji:." 


FREDERIC     WALKER    LTXCOLX.  87 

During  these  two  years  Mr.  Lineoln's  personal  inter- 
ests received  more  of  liis  attention,  but  he  was  ready  to 
lay  them  all  aside  once  more  for  the  love  of  his  city,  when  in 
December,  1862,  it  again  called  upon  him  to  take  up  the 
position  which  he  had  so  recently  left,  knowing  as  he  so 
well  did  the  added  responsibilities,  owing  to  the  war  and 
the  disturbed  conditions  of  the  times.  He  was  needed, 
and  it  seemed  impossible  for  him  to  decline.  He  was 
elected  by  a  large  majority.  As  soon  as  his  election  had 
become  generally  known,  a  few  energetic  citizens  of  Ward 
8  procured  the  services  of  Hall's  Band,  and  a  procession 
under  the  marshalship  of  Hon.  George  A.  Shaw,  with 
George  S.  Hale  and  Morris  C.  Fitch  as  aides,  started  from 
the  Republican  headquarters  about  eight  o'clock,  and  pro- 
ceeded to  the  residence  of  Mr.  Lincoln,  on  Pinckney 
street,  where  he  was  already  entertaining  a  large  number 
of  friends.  After  a  patriotic  tune  from  the  band,  fol- 
lowed b}^  repeated  cheers  from  the  crowd,  now  swelled  to 
several  hundreds,  Mr.  Shaw  introduced  George  S.  Hale, 
chairman  of  the  Ward  and  City  Committee,  who  spoke 
as  follows  : 

"  Fellow- Citizens :  I  don't  propose  to  detain  you  from  the 
pleasure  for  which  you  and  I  have  come  here  this  evening.  I 
propose  only  to  offer  in  your  name  to  our  fellow-citizens  our 
congratulations  at  the  result  of  this  day's  proceedings ;  not 
the  triumph  of  a  party,  but  the  triumph  of  the  honest  citi- 
zens of  Boston,  over  party,  in  the  person  of  Frederic  W. 
Lincoln,  Jr." 

Mr.  Lincoln  was  greeted  with  three  rousino-  cheers  for 
himself  and  three  for  the  city  of  Boston.  He  then  spoke 
as  follows  : 


88  MEMORIAL     OF 

^'- Felloiv-Citizeus :    I    tiiul    iinself    to-night   in  a  soine- 
wliat   peculiar  position.     Yon,  as  is  ciUstomary  on   sncli 
occasions,  have  come  here  as  the  friends  of  the  successful 
candidate,  to  congratulate  him  upon  his  election.     If  he 
had  any  aspirations  for  the  office  to  which  he  has  been 
elected,  if  he  wished  again  to  take  those  responsibilities 
upon  himself,  he  might  join  with  you  in  your  jubilant 
strains.     But  he  cannot.     Some  three  or  four  years  since 
it  was  my  fortune  to  be  mayor  of  the  cit}'.     I  tilled  that 
position  tliree   years,   and  I  thought  that   that  term  of 
service  would  release  me  from  any  further  claim  of  the 
citizens  in  that  direction.     But  as  a  matter  of  duty,  hav- 
ing been  urged  by  many  citizens  of  all  })olitical  parties 
to  allow  my  name  to  be  put  before  you,   I    did  so,  not 
anticipating,    I  can   assure  you,  this    lesult.      But    you 
have  willed  that  I  shall  again  go  to  the  City  Hall,  and 
become  associated  with  those  whom  you  have  put  with 
me  as  counsellors  in  conducting  your  city  affairs.     I  have 
no  new  principles  to  enunciate,  no  new  platform  to  build 
or  stand  upon.     I  shall  endeavor  to  do  my  duty  (cries  of 
'  Good,'  *  good '),  making  the  City  Charter  my  guide,  and 
aided  by  those  counsellors  whom  the  people,  the  people 
have  put  around  me.     (Loud  cheers.)      I  will  not  detain 
you  on  this  cold  night  witli  any  extended  remarks.      To 
my  friends  who  have  exerted  themselves  in  my  behalf,  if 
they  have  done  it  for  the  interest  of  the  city,  I  return 
my  thanks.     (Voices, '  That's  it,'  '  that's  right.')     To  my 
opponents,  if  I  have  any,  I   wish   them   to  judge  of  my 
acts    with  jealousy,  and  if  they  should  be  against  the 
interests  of  the  city  let  them  give  me  a  withering  rebuke. 
('Good,'  'good.') 


FREDERIC     WALKER    LINCOLN.  H9 

"  I  have  nothing  fnrther  to  sa}^  except  to  return  my 
thanks  to  my  fellow-citizens  for  this  mark  of  their  confi- 
dence.'' 

Mr.  Lincoln  was  saluted  with  repeated  cheers,  while 
the  band  played  "  Hail  Columbia.'" 

One  writes  of  him  : 

"Rising  from  one  degree  of  strength  to  another,  he  be- 
came an  influence  and  a  power  among  his  associates,  which 
extending  its  circle,  finally  embraced  a  large  portion  of  his 
fellow-citizens  and  placed  him  again  and  again  in  the  mayor- 
alty of  the  city.  A  distinguished  and  rare  honor  has  been 
conferred  upon  him,  that  of  recalling  him  to  the  post  after 
an  intervening  administration.  He  is  thus  the  predecessor 
and  successor  of  the  last  mayor.  We  feel  a  degree  of  confi- 
dence in  him,  that,  occupying  this  post  a  second  time  in  the 
manner  he  does,  he  will  bring  to  the  discharge  of  its  duties 
a  matured  experience  and  enlarged  views.  He  holds  otHce 
in  a  year  of  momentous  importance  to  every  interest  in  the 
country,  of  which  Boston  must  be,  as  the  metropolis  of  jSTew 
England,  an  important  and  influential  part.  We  like  the 
tone  of  his  inaugural.  It  takes  just  and  considerate  views 
of  the  manifold  questions  that  belong  to  the  government  to 
consider  and  deliberate  and  decide  upon,  and  it  breathes  a 
freedom  from  partisan  influence  and  party  names  that  can- 
not fail  to  commend  it  and  its  author  to  the  candid  and 
liberal  of  all  parties,  because,  as  he  himself  has  so  well  ex- 
pressed it :  '  Our  constituents,  ignoring  in  a  great  measure 
all  party  questions,  have  brought  us  together  to  promote  the 
welfare  of  every  class  and  rank  into  which  the  community 
is  divided.  The  great  and  permanent  interests  of  the  whole 
city  and  its  entire  population  we  are  placed  here  to  advance 
and  sustain.  Let  party  names  and  partisan  issues  be  banished 
from  our  councils,  let  our  legislative  acts  have  but  one 
motive,  the  public  good,  and  let  it  be  understood  that  charac- 
ter must  be  the  great  merit  which  every  applicant  for  ofl&ce 
or  position  must  possess  if  he  expects  favor  at  our  hands.'  " 


90  MEMOBIAL    OF 

The  year  1^^63  was  filled  with  iiiaii\'  stirring  interests. 

On  Jannary  to  a  meeting  was  lu-hl  at  the  Merchants 
Exchange  Reading-room  to  make  suitable  arrangements 
for  a  reception  to  Major-General  Butler,  who  was  to  visit 
the  cit}'  that  day.  The  meeting  was  called  to  order  by 
Hon.  George  B.  l^pton,  who  briefly  stated  its  object,  in 
which  he  said  that  if  the  general  had  committed  any 
errors  in  judgment,  his  great  acts  and  services  had  thrown 
them  far  into  the  shade,  and  that  he  was  worthy  of  proper 
and  honorable  notice  at  the  hands  of  the  city  of  Boston. 
Mayor  Lincoln  was  then  introduced  to  the  meeting  and 
immediately  and  unanimously  elected  to  the  chair.  A 
committee  of  fifty  gentlemen  were  appointed  to  make 
arrangements  for  the  reception,  with  Mayor  Lincoln  as 
chairman.  Owing  to  the  uncertainty  of  the  general's 
movements,  hardly  twenty-four  hours  were  available  to 
arrange  the  preliminaries  of  a  public  reception:  but  no 
formal  programme  was  required  to  call  forth  the  enthu- 
siasm of  the  people.  Long  previous  to  the  arrival  of  the 
train  the  gathering  thousands  thronged  every  avenue  of 
approach  to  the  depot.  At  12  o'clock  the  general  arrived 
by  special  train  from  Lowell,  accompanied  by  his  staff. 
Mayor  Hosford,  of  Lowell,  and  others. 

He  was  met  by  General  Tyler,  chief  marshal  of  the 
procession,  who  presented  him  to  Mayor  Lincoln,  by 
whom  he  was  conducted  to  the  barouche,  and  the  proces- 
sion was  formed.  It  passed  through  many  of  the  prin- 
cipal streets  of  the  city  to  the  State  House,  where  it 
halted,  being  joined  there  by  botli  branches  of  the  Leg- 
islature. The  procession  arrived  at  Faneuil  Hall  about 
one  o'clock,  amid  great  enthusiasm.     The  hall  was  hand- 


FREDERIC    WALKER    LINCOLN.  91 

soinely  decorated  for  the  occasion  with  flags,  bunting, 
and  mottoes  referring  to  tlie  scenes  of  General  Butler's 
triumphs  —  Baltimore,  New  Orleans,  etc.  When  the  noise 
consequent  upon  the  greeting  of  the  gallant  general  had 
subsided.  General  Tyler  took  the  platform  and  said  : 

"  Fellotv-citizens :  This  is  not  an  occasion  when  any 
formal  organization  is  necessary.  The  heart  of  Boston 
has  spoken,  and  its  head,  our  honored  Mayor,  will  pre- 
sent to  you  our  distinguished  guests."  Nine  deafening 
cheers  were  given  for  General  Butler,  the  band  playing 
"The  Star  Spangled  Banner." 

Mayor  Lincoln  then  made  a  short  speech,  from  which 
is  quoted  the  following,  in  referring  to  General  Butler: 

"  One  of  the  first  to  offer  his  services  to  the  governor 
of  the  Commonwealth  at  the  commencement  of  the  Re- 
bellion, he  led  our  gallant  volunteers  to  the  South,  and 
his  services  at  Baltimore,  at  Annapolis,  at  Hatteras,  and 
at  New  Orleans  are  known  to  the  world,  and  will  make 
one  of  the  most  important  pages  in  the  history  and  annals 
of  these  times.  The  proof  of  his  patriotism  is  shown  in 
the  fact  that  he  has  perilled  his  life  in  the  service  of  his 
country ;  and  when  we  remember  that  for  months  -liSO,- 
000  has  been  offered  for  his  head,  we  know  how  the 
rebels  appreciate  him." 

Then  followed  a  speecli  b}^  General  Butler,  terminat- 
ing the  ceremonies. 

On  the  day  following,  January  14,  a  grand  reception 
was  given  b}^  the  city  and  State  to  the  California  Cavalry 
Company.  On  their  arrival  at  the  Providence  Station 
they  were  met  by  several  military  organizations  and 
troops,  a  procession  formed,  and  amid  much  enthusiasm 


92  MEMORIAL     OF 

passed  through  the  crowded  streets  to  tlie  State  House. 
Here  there  were  addresses  by  ex-Mayor  Wightman,  Mayor 
Lincoln,  Captain  Reed,  and  Governor  Andrew. 

During  the  last  week  in  January,  General  McC'lellan 
visited  Boston  and  was  entertained  by  several  personal 
friends,  at  all  of  which  entertainments  Mayor  Lincoln  was 
present.  On  the  evening  of  the  twenty-ninth  a  party 
was  given  for  him  by  Mr,  Edward  Eldrige.  On  the 
thirtieth  Mayor  Lincoln  went  with  him  to  the  Navy 
Yard,  to  Bunker  Hill,  and  other  places  of  interest.  In 
the  evening  he  dined  at  Mr.  Gray's,  where  were  [^resent, 
besides  General  ]\IcClellan,  Agassiz,  Governor  Clifford, 
Edward  Everett,  .Judge  Bigelow,  Professor  Pierce,  Dr. 
Holmes,  the  general's  aids.  Commodore  Montgomery, 
and  others,  and  later  that  evening  he  attended  witli  liis 
wife  a  large  reception  given  by  Mrs.  Gray  in  honor  of 
Mrs.  McClellan. 

On  February  2  a  large  reception  was  given  to  General 
McClellan  at  the  Treinont  House,  where  there  were 
throngs  of  people  and  much  enthusiasm,  and  on  February 
6  the  Mayor  again  escorted  him  to  some  of  the  places  of 
interest  in  Boston,  and  in  the  evening,  took  his  son 
Frederic  with  him  to  the  Trcmont  House,  to  bid  the 
general  good-by. 

The  number  of  speeches  made  by  Mayor  Lincoln  dur- 
ing this  and  the  following  three  years  was  very  great, 
and  the  celebrations,  dinners,  and  receptions  to  dis- 
tinguished guests  in  the  cit}',  which  he  attended  in  per- 
son, were  most  numerous.  To  the  troops  alone,  going  to 
and  returning  from  war,  he  delivered  fifty-one  addresses. 
We  will  mention  a  few  only  of  the  most  notable  occa- 


FREDERIC     WALKER    LINCOLN.  93 

sions.  In  April  a  dinner  was  <>iven  Brigadier-General 
Cowdin.  In  June  occurred  the  celebration  of  the  two 
hundred  and  twenty-tifth  anniversary  of  the  Ancient  and 
Honorable  Artillery,  with  a  banquet  at  Faneuil  Hall. 
Then  came  the  arrival  and  reception  of  the  Forty-fourth 
Regiment,  with  the  enthusiastic  welcome  home,  followed 
by  an  ovation  on  the  Common,  with  speeches  by  Mayor 
Lincoln  and  Colonel  Lee.  Soon  came  the  return  of  the 
Forty-fifth  Regiment  and  its  reception;  and  such  occa- 
sions rapidly  multiplied.  When  one  considers  that  these 
things  were  outside  the  Mayor's  regular  daily  duties,  it 
is  clearly  seen  that  every  hour  of  his  time  was  fully 
occupied. 

At  this  time  also,  Mayor  Lincoln,  with  Prof.  E.  N. 
Hosford  and  Capt.  W.  T.  Glidden,  were  appointed  a 
commission  by  Governor  Andrew  to  consider  and  decide 
upon  the  best  temporar}^  defences  which  could  be  con- 
structed for  the  harbor,  and  much  time  and  thought  had 
to  be  given  to  this  important  matter,  as  well  as  frequent 
visits  made  to  different  parts  of  the  harbor. 

The  Fourth  of  July  was  celebrated  in  the  usual  man- 
ner. Oliver  Wendell  Holmes  delivered  the  oration.  The 
morning  concert,  at  eight  o'clock,  took  place  on  the  Com- 
mon, and  this  was  one  of  the  most  popular  features  of  the 
day's  celebration,  to  which  thousands  of  people  flocked. 
Then  came  the  procession  between  nine  and  ten,  pass- 
ing through  many  of  the  streets  to  the  Boston  Theatre, 
or,  as  it  was  then  often  called,  the  Academy  of  Music. 
This  was  crowded  with  people,  except  in  the  seats  reserved 
for  those  taking  part  in  the  procession ;  and  after  its 
entrance,  music,  prayer  by  Rev.  Chandler  Robbins,  and  the 


94  MEMORIAL    OF 

oration  followed.  At  the  close  of  tlie  oration,  when  the 
enthusiastic  applause  had  come  to  an  end,  Major  Lincoln 
read  to  the  assemblage  the  address  of  the  president,  then 
just  received  :  "  The  President  announces  to  the  country 
that  the  news  from  tlie  army  of  tlie  l^otomac  up  to  10 
P.M.  of  the  third  is  such  as  to  cover  the  array  with  the 
highest  honor,  to  promise  a  great  success  to  the  cause  of 
the  Union,  and  to  claim  the  condolence  of  all  for  the 
many  gallant  fallen ;  and  that  for  this  he  especiall}' 
desires  that  on  this  day  He  w^hose  will,  not  ours,  should 
ever  be  done,  be  everywhere  remembered  and  reverenced 
with  profound  gratitude."  Cheer  after  cheer  greeted 
this  grand  news,  and  the  enthusiasm  was  intense. 

The  following  letter  was  received  by  the  Mayor,  from 
Hon.  Charles  Sumner : 

"Washington,  July,  1863. 

"  Dear  Sir  :  I  regret  much  that  I  cannot  be  in  Boston  on 
the  Fourth  of  July,  to  listen  to  words  of  eloquent  clieer,  and  to 
join  uiy  fellow-citizens  there  in  the  celebration  of  the  day. 
But  whether  there  or  here  I  shall  not  fail  to  celebrate  the  day 
in  my  heart,  hoping,  praying,  striving  for  the  speedy  triumph 
of  those  principles  to  which  the  day  is  consecrated, — life, 
liberty,  and  happiness  to  all  men.  Such  is  the  glorious  dec- 
laration of  rights  to  which  our  nation  was  from  the  beginning 
pledged,  and  it  is  now  vindicating  by  war. 

''  Massachusetts  took  a  leading  part  in  awakening  and  begin- 
ning the  Revolution  by  which  that  declaration  was  first  vin- 
dicated. And  thank  God,  her  influence  lias  not  been  unfelt 
in  the  greater  efforts  now  making  to  uphold  the  declaration 
and  to  keep  the  whole  country  under  its  control,  so  that  there 
shall  be  but  one  people,  free  and  inde[)endent,  without  a 
master  and  without  a  slave.  In  this  cause  she  has  already 
given  some  of  her  best  blood,  and  sorrowed  at  many  funerals. 


FREDERIC    WALKER    LINCOLN.  95 

She  must  uot  halt  ov  hesitate  now,  biit  must  proceed  right 
onward  to  the  triumph  which  is  sure  to  be  ours.  I  know  not 
when  this  war  will  end,  but  I  know  well  how  it  will  end. 

"  Accept  my  thanks  for  the  invitation  with  which  you  have 
honored  me  ;  and  believe  me,  Mr.  Mayor,  with  much  respect, 

"  Faithfully  yours, 

''Charles  Sumner. 
"  Hox.  F.  W.  Lincoln." 

Other  features  of  the  day  were  the  regatta,  the  balloon 
ascension  from  the  Common,  the  fireworks  in  the  evening, 
and  the  exhibition  of  electric  lights.  The  city  streets 
and  buildings  were  quite  generally  decorated  with  flags 
and  mottoes,  but  all  unnecessary  or  elaborate  expenditure 
of  money  at  this  time  was  discouraged.  Some  of  the 
mottoes  were  : 

"  Let  the  hardships  of  our  brothers  in  the  field,  and  the 
fresh-made  graves  of  the  fallen,  rouse  and  inspire  us  to  do, 
and  if  need  be  to  die,  for  our  country.'' 

"  There  is  a  call  and  a  duty,  a  work  and  a  place  for  all." 

"  Our  fathers  left  us  the  glorious  legacy  of  Liberty  ;  may 
we  transmit  to  posterity  virtue  to  merit  it,  and  courage  to 
preserve  it !  " 

"  No  page  in  heroic  history  shines  brighter  than  that  which 
bears  the  record  of  Bunker  Hill  and  Faneuil  Hall." 

"  Stain  not  the  glory  of  your  worthy  ancestors  ;  but,  like 
them,  I'esolve  never  to  part  with  your  birthright.'' 

"Fast  renown  and  future  hopes." 

"  Our  fiag  :  fight  for  it,  live  for  it,  die  for  it,  if  need  be,  but 
surrender  never." 

During  these  busy  years,  when  so  much  was  required 
of  the  Mayor's  time  and  thought,  he  never  gave  up  his 
regular  attendance  at  churcli  and  Sunday-school,  except 


96  MF.MOIlIM.     OF 

Oil  a  very  tVw  occasions,  when  sfjine  specially  important 
duty  required  his  immediate  attention  ;  when  possible,  on 
a  Sunday  afternoon,  he  would  take  a  drive  with  his  wife 
and  children. 

On  July  5  there  was  much  exciteiiieiit  in  the  city  on 
account  of  the  battle  at  Gettysburg.  In  June  President 
Lincoln  had  issued  his  proclamation  calling  for  300,000 
men  for  three  years  or  through  the  war.  When  the  pa- 
triotism of  the  able-bodied  citizens  gave  out,  the  Govern- 
ment was  forced  to  draft  men  into  its  service  to  put  down 
the  Rebellion.  Those  wdiose  names  were  drawn  could  pro- 
vide a  substitute,  or  pay  JjSOO  cash.  Massachusetts  was 
required  to  furnish  15,519  men.  The  drawing  began  July 
8, 1863.  Ever3-thing  went  well  for  a  week.  But  the  news 
received  from  the  New  York  draft  riots  greatly  stirred 
the  public  mind,  and  incited  many  hotheads  to  treason- 
able language.  For  two  days  a  fearful  riot  had  been 
raging  in  New  York  City,  involving  a  very  great  loss  of 
life  and  propert}',  all  of  which  helped  to  encourage  and 
develop  a  feeling  of  resistance  in  Boston.  The  authori- 
ties of  the  city  and  the  State  were  watchful  for  signs  of 
any  outbreak,  either  in  sympath}^  wdth  New  York  or  on 
account  of  the  di'aft  here,  and  there  was  fear  that  the 
contagion  would  spread. 

On  July  14  the  trouble  broke  out.  Mayor  Lincoln, 
seeing  that  an  outbreak  was  probable,  had  asked  Gov- 
ernor Andrew  to  have  troops  sent  up  from  Fort  Warren, 
and  the  "  Ileniy  ^Morrison,"  the  city  boat,  went  to  the 
fort  and  brought  them.  Before  their  arrival  the  Mayor 
had  found  it  necessarj^  to  take  other  precautions.  About 
noon  he  sent  orders  to  (apt.   (later   MaJcuO    Ldward   -L 


FREDERIC    WALKER    LINCOLN.  97 

Jones,  commanding  the  Eleventh  Battery,  to  have  his  men 
in  readiness.  The  liancers,  Light  Dragoons,  Independent 
Cadets,  and  two  or  three  other  military  organizations,  were 
also  notified  to  be  at  their  armories  ready  for  service  in 
case  of  an  outbreak.  When  Captain  Jones  reported  with 
his  battery,  that  is,  the  men  of  the  battery,  without  guns, 
Mayor  Lincoln  directed  them  to  proceed  to  the  Cooper- 
street  Armory.  Tliere  was  no  military  organization  exist- 
ing there  at  that  time,  most  of  the  miUtia  being  at  the 
seat  of  war.  The  following  is  the  warrant  received  early 
in  the  afternoon  by  Captain  Slade  of  the  Lancers ;  after 
it  had  been  in  his  possession  less  than  an  hour,  upwards 
of  fifty  men  appeared  in  uniform  at  the  armory,  ready 
for  duty : 

"  Commonwealth   of   Massachusetts, 
"  SaFFOLK  ss.  City  of  Boston. 

"  To  Captaix  Lucius  Slade,  Commanding  Company  A^ 
First  Battalion  of  Light  Dragoons : 

"  Whereas  it  has  been  made  to  appear  to  me,  Fred- 
eric W.  Lincoln,  Jr.,  Mayor  of  the  said  city  of  Boston, 
that  there  is  threatened  a  tumult,  riot,  and  mob  of  a  body 
of  men  acting  togetlier  by  force  and  violence,  with  in- 
tent, by  force  and  violence,  to  break  and  resist  the  laws 
of  the  Commonwealth  of  said  city  of  Boston,  in  said 
Count}-  of  Suffolk,  and  that  military  force  is  necessary  to 
aid  the  civil  authority  in  suppressing  the  same ;  now, 
therefore,  I  command  you  as  aforesaid,  armed,  equipped 
with  ammunition,  as  the  law  directs  and  with  proper  offi- 
cers, either  attached  to  the  troops,  or  detailed  by  you,  to 
parade  to  the  armory  of  said  company  in  Sudbury  street. 


98  MEMORIAL    OF 

in  said  city  of  Boston,  fortliwitli.  tlicn  aiid  there  to  obey 
such  orders  as  may  be  given  them  according  to  Uiw. 
Hereof  fail  not  at  your  peril ;  and  have  you  there  this 
warrant  with  your  doings  returned  thereon. 

"  Witness  my  hand  and  the  seal  of  the  city  of  Boston, 
tliis  fourteenth  day  of  July,  in  the  year  one  tliousand 
eight  hundred  and  sixty-three. 

"  (Signed)  F.  W.  Lincoln,  Jr., 

"  3Ia^or  of  the  City  of  Boston^ 

The  armory  was  a  danger  point  for  a  peculiar  reason. 
Just  before  the  Fourth  of  July  Mayor  Lincoln  made 
some  inquiries  about  means  for  firing  a  salute  on  Inde- 
pendence Day,  and  found  that  there  were  no  cannon  in 
the  city.  He  applied  to  Governor  Andrew  for  the  loan 
of  two  field-pieces,  and  was  told  that  if  he  would  receipt 
for  them  he  could  secure  them  from  one  of  the  camps. 
This  he  did.  The  guns  came  to  Boston,  were  used  on  the 
Fourth  of  July  for  patriotic  purposes,  and  then  placed 
temporarily  in  the  Cooper-street  Armory.  There  was  a 
fear  that  the  unruly  element,  knowing  this  fact,  would 
attempt  to  secure  the  guns.  On  the  morning  of  the  four- 
teenth Mr.  Wesley  Hill,  an  enrolling  officer,  and  Mr_ 
David  Howe  began  distributing  Provost  Marshal  Howe's 
notifications  to  drafted  men  in  the  northerly  part  of  the 
city.  Everything  proceeded  (i[uietly  until  half-past  twelve 
o'clock,  when  the  two  were  leaving  notifications  in  the 
lower  part  of  Prince  street.  Mr.  Howe  had  proceeded 
about  half  the  distance  from  Lafayette  avenue  to  Conuner- 
cial  street,  when  he  stopped  at  a  house  with  one  of  his 
docuiiiciits,  and  the  dral'teil  men  hapjtciu'd  lo  be  at  home. 


FREDERIC    WALKER    LINCOLN.  99 

Mr.  Howe  was  set  upon  as  he  was  leaving  the  house,  and 
beaten    about  the   head  and  back   with  clubs,  pieces   of 
board,  etc.     Mr.  Hill  liaving  gone  to  the  marshal's  office 
at  the  first  intimation  of  trouble,  to  give  information,  Mr. 
Howe  had  no  one  to  defend  him,  until  officer  Romanzo  H. 
Wilkins,  of  the  First  Police  Station,  who  chanced  to  be  in 
the  vicinity,  arrived.     As  he  was  trying  to  get  Mr.  Howe 
away  to  his  home,  they  were  both  attacked  and  beaten, 
and  the  number  of  rioters  increasing,  they  also  attacked 
those  who  tried  to  help  the  two  men,  and  so  tlie  mob  in- 
creased.   On  the  arrival  of  more  police,  the  cry  was  raised, 
"  Kill   them,"  and  they   were    also  attacked.      In    differ- 
ent localities  the  trouble  was  renewed  and  many  persons 
were  injured.  As  the  crowd  left  the  fii'st  place  of  disturb- 
ance, it  was  their  intention  to  proceed  to  Provost  Mar- 
shal Howe's  office  on  Sudbury  street,  but  this  was  not 
carried  out,  probably  through  fear  of  the  guard  of  regu- 
lars known  to  be  stationed  there.     During  these  scenes 
the  police  were  ordered  to  the  stations  and  held  in  readi- 
ness.    Squads  were  sent  to  different  parts  of  the  North 
End,   proving   effective    in  preventing  a   spread  of    the 
tumult.     Shortly  before  five  o'clock  in  the  afternoon  the 
citizens  were  made  glad  by  the  sight  of  a  company  of  reg- 
ulars, with  arms  loaded  and  at  half-cock,  marching  stead- 
ily up  State  street.     It  was  the  Third  Company  of  Heavy 
Artillery,  one  hundred  men,  who  had  just  arrived  from 
Fort  Independence,  and  as  they  were  not  just  then  re- 
quired at  tlie  North  End,  they  were  ordered  to  Beach- 
street  Barracks.     The  news  of  the  disturbance  was  for  a 
time  discreetly  withheld  from  the  public  as  far  as  possi- 
ble, that  the  mob  might  not  be  augmented  bv  crowds  of 


10(1  MEMOIUAL     OF 

the  cuiiuiis.  For  several  liours  the  effort  worked  well, 
and  many  who  lieaid  of  the  disturbance  attached  little 
importance  to  it,  so  that  very  prol)ably  the  affair  was  less 
serious  than  it  might  have  been  had  public  excitement 
been  allowed  to  run  rampant. 

Mayor  Lincoln,  however,  knew  man}'  dangers  of  which 
few  others  were  aware  until  long  afterward.  One  man 
came  to  Mayor  Lincoln  and  confessed  that  he  had  re- 
ceived gold  in  London  to  come  over  here  to  set  fire  to 
Boston,  but  when  he  had  arrived  and  looked  at  our 
streets  and  our  homes,  he  was  stricken  with  such  a 
remorse  of  conscience  that  his  heart  failed  him  and  he 
repented  of  bis  evil  purpose. 

There  were  threats  of  burning  the  city,  specially  the 
Mayor's  house  and  public  buildings,  and  for  the  safety 
of  his  family  the  i\Layor  had  them  leave  their  home,  tak- 
ing with  them  trunks  and  valuables.  They  went  to  the 
house  of  a  relative  in  another  part  of  the  city.  Police 
officers  were  kept  in  the  house  all  night  to  protect  it, 
but  happily  there  was  no  trouble.  The  next  day  Mrs. 
Lincoln  received  mau}'^  invitations  from  kind  friends 
living  out  of  the  city  to  join  them  with  her  family,  and 
she  accepted  that  of  her  husband's  uncle  in  Canton. 

A  Frenchman  called  upon  the  Mayor  to  warn  him  that 
the  water-works  might  be  tampered  with,  but  his  fore- 
sight had  prepared  for  that  and  he  was  able  to  reply  that 
all  was  protected.  At  nightfall  everybody  but  the 
authorities  thought  the  disgraceful  scenes  were  ended, 
and  even  they  justly  indulged  in  such  a  hope  :  yet  every 
possible  ])recauli()ii  had  lu'cii  taken  to  check  any  fui-tlier 
outbreak.      1>\  dark  at  least  a  thousand  men  were  uikUt 


FREDERKf     WALKER    LINCOLN.  101 

arms  to  keep  the  peace.  Shortly  after  seven  o'clock  the 
low  grumblings  of  an  approaching  storm  were  heard  in 
various  localities  in  the  North  End.  Knots  of  men  began 
to  collect  on  Endicott,  Hanover,  and  Prince  streets,  and 
well-disposed  citizens  took  good  care  to  keep  out  of  their 
way  ;  but  instead  of  retiring  to  their  homes  like  good 
citizens,  they  collected  on  the  outskirts  of  the  disaffected 
portions  of  the  city,  to  witness  the  course  of  events,  and 
thus  increased  the  crowd  and  the  labors  of  the  police. 

At  8.30  o'clock  a  preconcerted  signal  brought  every 
man  under  arms  to  his  feet,  ready  for  duty.  The  Mayor 
was  at  the  Second  Station,  with  Chief  of  Police  Kurtz, 
directing  operations.  Deputy  Savage  looked  to  it  that 
the  men  were  ready  for  the  word  of  command.  Mean- 
while the  rioters  were  in  their  most  dangerous  mood  at  the 
North  End.  A  large  and  boisterous  crowd  had  assembled 
in  front  of  the  Light  Artillery  Armory  in  Cooper  street. 
Showers  of  bricks  and  other  missiles  fell  upon  the 
armory.  Windows  were  smashed  and  missiles  fell  thick 
and  fast  about  the  men  within.  Now  was  the  critical 
time.  A  man  stood  at  the  guns,  which  were  loaded  and 
ready.  The  mob  seemed  to  be  gaining  the  upper  hand, 
and  with  the  guns  once  in  their  possession  the  direful 
results  could  not  be  predicted.  The  Mayor  appeared 
and  ordered  the  rioters  to  disperse,  but  as  they  paid  no 
heed  the  order  was  given  to  fire,  and  through  the  closed 
doors  a  good  round  of  canister  burst  into  the  ranks  of  the 
mob.  Many  were  wounded  and  carried  away  by  their 
friends,  and  the  crowd  were  glad  to  disperse. 

Many  of  them,  however,  joined  in  the  trouble  at  other 
places,  and  in  Dock  scpiare  a  great  disturbance  was  taking 


102  MEMOIIIAL     OF 

place.  The  rioters  broke  into  some  of  the  gun  stores 
and  helped  themselves  to  pistols,  rifles,  and  knives,  hut 
the  police  soon  drove  them  out.  Dock  square  now  pie- 
sented  an  exciting  scene,  filled  with  a  turbulent  mass  of 
people,  including  man}'  women,  and  not  a  few  children, 
with  ba^'onets  and  knives  plentiful.  But  from  head- 
(juarters  the  word  was  given,  and  the  arm  of  tlie  law 
began  to  move.  The  police  had  kept  the  little  hill  from 
Cornliill  to  Dock  square  clear,  and  placed  a  guard  of 
regulars  before  the  door  of  J.  Hapgood's  sporting  apjja- 
ratus  store,  Washington  street.  And  now  the  time  of 
the  rioters  had  come.  Down  Washington  street,  at  a  fair 
pace,  came  first  Major  Gordon's  Inindred  regulars  from 
Fort  Independence  with  guns  loaded  and  cocked  ;  then 
the  Lancers  and  Dragoons,  whose  soldierly  and  resolute 
bearing  and  spirited  style  told  well  in  the  eyes  of  the 
thousands  who  watched  with  eager  interest  the  men 
whom  they  had  never  seen  save  on  a  gala  day ;  and 
last,  the  well-drilled  police.  The  orders  were  given  low 
and  quick ;  down  through  Dock  square  and  under  the 
side  of  Faneuil  Hall  the}^  marched  and  took  position. 
For  nearly  an  hour  they  remained  there,  while  the  police 
with  no  gentle  force  completely  cleared  Dock  square  and 
stationed  strong  guards  along  the  streets.  Shortly  after 
ten  o'clock  the  first  and  second  comjxinies  of  the  Second 
Massachusetts  Heavy  Artillery  from  Readville  arrived  at 
the  scene  of  action  with  two  pieces  of  cannon.  The 
mob.  having  learned  now  by  experience  that  the  authori- 
ties were  in  earnest,  were  speedily  driven  from  the 
squares  ;  guards  were  set  and  the  two  cannon  well  suj)- 
ported,  placed  so  as  to  swec})  the  squares.     Detachments 


FREDERIC     WALKER     LINCOLN.  108 

were  then  ordered  from  the  Dragoons,  and  squads 
patrolled  the  streets  at  the  North  End  during  the  re- 
mainder of  the  night. 

At  midnight  all  was  as  quiet  as  could  be  expected.  At 
twelve-thirt}-  o'clock  an  alarm  of  tire  was  sounded  which 
brought  out  the  department  from  the  North  End,  but  it 
was  found  that  some  scoundrel  had  broken  open  a  box  on 
Fort  Hill  and  given  a  false  alarm.  Immediately  after 
this  it  was  reported  tiiat  the  artiller}^  arraorj^  on  Cooper 
street  had  been  set  on  fire  and  the  incendiary  was  seen  to 
leave  the  building,  but  by  the  prompt  action  of  the  mili- 
tary jDresent  the  flames  were  extinguished  with  trifling 
damages  to  the  property,  and  without  the  aid  of  the 
engines.  The  next  day,  July  15,  Mayor  Lincoln  issued 
the  following  proclamation  : 

"  To  the   Citizens  of  Boston  : 

"  The  peace  and  good  order  of  this  cit}^  have  been  vio- 
lated by  an  assembly  of  rioters  and  evil-disposed  persons, 
and  still  further  violence  is  threatened.  I  therefore  deem 
it  my  dut}^  to  ask  the  aid  of  all  good  citizens  in  suppressr 
ing  any  tumultuous  assemblages  that  may  be  gathered, 
and  bringing  to  condign  punishment  all  violators  of  law 
and  good  order ;  and  I  also  deem  it  m}-  duty  to  notify  and 
warn  all  persons  wlio  have  been  or  shall  be  engaged  in 
making  depredations  upon  property,  in  assaulting  indi- 
viduals, or  in  any  way  disturbing  the  public  peace,  that 
full  preparation  has  been  made  for  any  exigency  their 
conduct  shall  create.  The  good  order  and  the  quiet  of 
the  city  shall  be  preserved  at  all  hazards,  and  those  who 
riotously  attempt  to  interrupt  them  sliall  be  brought  to 


104  MEMOIIIAL     OF 

puiii^lmieiit,  whutever  rij^or  may  be  j[f<-essaiv  to  these 
ends.  That  innocent  parties  may  not  suffer  with  the 
guilty,  all  persons  whose  duty  does  not  eall  them  into 
proximity  to  places  of  disorder  and  violence  are  retiuested 
to  keep  away  from  them  ;  and  all  parents  and  guardians 
are  earnestly  desired  to  see  that  tlie  minors  under  their 
control  are  not  in  the  streets  after  sunset. 

"F.  W.  Lincoln,  Jr.,  Mfujor. 

"City  Hall,  Boston,  July  1"),  18C3." 

The  Mayor's  proclainatifm  seems  to  have  been  almost 
universally  heeded.  No  collection  of  people,  however 
small,  was  allowed  b}-  the  [lolice,  and  no  people  were 
allowed  to  stand  about  the  sidewalks.  All  the  arranofc- 
ments  were  complete  and  most  effective.  Strict  watch- 
fulness was  kept  for  several  days,  but  there  was  no  further 
serious  trouble.  From  the  Boston  "  .lournal  ''  of  July 
27,  1863: 

"  We  heartily  endorse  the  following  from  the  ■  Advertiser  ' : 
"'Thp:  Mavoi!.  —  We  observe  that  ^Nfayor  Lincoln,  in  his 
review  of  the  proceedings  for  the  suppression  of  the  riot  in 
this  city,  while  naming  the  various  persons  who  deserve  the 
thanks  of  the  public  for  their  efforts  on  that  occasion,  omits 
to  name  one  to  whom  the  public,  however,  will  not  forget  to 
be  grateful.  The  officer  not  named  is  the  mayor  of  Boston. 
Had  he  not  been  as  firm,  judicious,  cool,  and  assiduous  as  he 
was  found  to  be  by  all  who  approached  him,  the  praiseworthy 
efforts  of  his  subordinates  and  assistants  might  after  all  have 
failed.  As  it  was,  there  is  no  one  to  whom  more  is  due  for 
the  signal  success  with  wliich  the  peace  of  the  city  was 
restored  and  maintained.'  " 


FREDERIC    M'ALEER    LINCOLN.  105 

From  the  "  Transcri[)t"  : 

"The  Ma3^or  has  won  increased  respect  tioin  liis  lelluw- 
citizens  by  his  promptness,  energy,  and  sagacity  in  being  suf- 
ficientlj'"  forearmed  to  meet  and  crusli  the  riot  before  it  had 
time  to  become  serious.  His  proceedings  and  those  of  his 
associates  are  an  evidence,  not  only  of  the  steady  devotion 
of  Boston  to  hxw  and  order,  but  also  that  a  city  rightly  gov- 
erned is  amply  able  to  protect  itself  against  the  mob." 

Mayor  Lincoln  again  showed  liis  thoughtfulness  and 
foresight  by  the  following : 

"Mayor's  Office,  City  Hall, 

"  July  23, 1863. 
"  Grentlemen  of  the  City  CoiinciJ  : 

"  The  late  battle  of  Gettj^sburg,  one  of  the  most  gal- 
lant achievements  of  the  Union  forces  during  the  war, 
was  gained  at  the  sacrifice  of  the  lives  of  many  citizen- 
soldiers  of  Massachusetts,  In  the  euCTao-ement  there 
were  several  regiments  belonging  particularly  to  the  city 
of  Boston.  Their  valor  was  tested  on  that  well-fought 
field,  and  the  memory  of  the  brave  who  fell  should  be 
cherished  by  us  with  patriotic  pride.  A  large  portion  of 
them  were  buried  by  their  surviving  comrades  on  the  field 
of  battle,  but  received  only  such  hast}^  rites  of  sepulture 
as  the  circumstances  would  warrant.  It  is  probable  that 
before  a  great  length  of  time  the  field  will  be  used  for 
agricultural  purposes,  and  their  remains  will  be  disturbed. 

"In  the  immediate  vicinity,  forming  in  fact  a  portion 
of  the  scene  of  the  l)attle,  there  is  a  beautiful  rural  ceme- 
tery, belonging  to  the  city  of  Gettysburg,  about  half  a 
mile  distant.  I  would  respectfully  suggest  for  your  con- 
sideration the  propriety  of  purchasing  a  lot  in  the  ceme- 


106  JIEilORIAL     OF 

terv.  and  having  the  bodies  of  our  dead  removed  to  it.  I 
understand  that  most  of  them  can  now  be  readily  identi- 
fied, and  I  would  suggest  prompt  measui-es  to  effect  this 
end.  A  correct  list  of  those  interred  should  be  preserved, 
a  fence  should  l>e  placed  around  the  enclosure,  and  a 
suitable  monument  erected  at  the  expense  of  the  city. 
•'F.  W.  Lincoln.  Je..  Mai/or."' 

•■  In  CoioiOK  CouxcLL.  July  28,  1863. 

"  Ordered^  That  five  membere  of  the  Common  Council, 
w-ith  such  as  the  Board  of  Aldermen  may  join,  be  ajv 
pointed  a  committee  to  proceed  to  Gettysburg.  Penn.,  to 
procure  a  suitable  lot  in  the  cemetery  at  that  place,  to 
cause  the  remains  of  those  soldiers  from  this  city  not 
otherwise  disposed  of  by  their  friends  to  be  deposited 
therein,  and  a  suitable  monument  to  l)e  erected  over  the 
same,  in  accordance  with  the  recommendations  of  His 
Honor  the  Mayor,  and  that  the  expense  thereof  be 
charged  to  the  appropriation  for  incidental  expenses. 

"Passed:  and  Messrs.  Curaston.  Bradlee,  Ordway, 
Coolidge,  and  Bean  were  appointed  said  committee. 

'•  Sent  up  for  concurrence. 

'-George  S.  Hale, 

•'  President.' 

The  committee  at  once  proceeded  to  Gettysburg,  and 
this  was  the  l^eginning  of  what  afterwards  resulted  in  the 
National  Cemetery  of  Gettysburg.  Its  history  can  easily 
be  found  and  read. 

On  September  9  Mayor  Lincoln  again  went  to  New 
York  for  a  few  days,  with  General  Tyler.  General  Cow- 
din,  and  his  uncle.  Colonel  Lincoln.     On  September  11 


FREDERIC    WALKER    LINCOLN.  107 

he  went  clown  to  Ricker's  Island,  with  General  Tyler, 
General  Canby,  General  Cowdin,  and  other   gentlemen, 
for  the   purpose  of  presenting  a  flag  to  the  First  Massa- 
chusetts Regiment,  stationed  there. 
From  the  New  York  "  Tribune  "  : 

"The  presentation  speech  was  a  patriotic  and  earnest  expres- 
sion of  the  sentiments  of  Boston  in  relation  to  the  First 
Massachusetts  Regiment,  the  first  to  leave  the  Old  Bay  State 
for  a  three  years'  campaign.  Under  its  gallant  leader,  Col. 
Robert  Cowdin,  it  has  been  under  fire  in  fifteen  battles,  and 
was  the  regiment  that  did  not  retreat  in  disorder  at  the  bat- 
tle of  Bull  Run.  Its  courage  and  patriotism  never  faltered 
in  the  terrible  hour  of  conflict.  It  has  reflected  honor  upon 
the  State  from  which  it  came  and  upon  the  army  of  the 
Republic  to  which  it  belongs.  Boston,  justly  proud  of  this 
gallant  corps  of  heroic  men,  presented  a  costly  and  splendid 
flag  as  a  token  of  appreciation,  and  the  Mayor  was  the  mouth- 
piece of  the  city  over  which  he  presides. 

"  The  troops  were  drawn  up  on  the  esplanade  of  the  fort, 
and  in  admirable  array  and  discipline  received  the  announce- 
ment of  the  compliment  extended  to  them  with  great  enthu- 
siasm. Amid  the  music  of  the  regimental  Vjand  and  continu- 
ous cheering,  Mayor  Lincoln  came  forward  toward  the  front 
line  of  the  regiment,  and,  holding  the  banner  in  his  hand,  thus 
addressed  the  brave  fellows,  who  breathlessly  listened : 

'■'•Mr.  Commander,  Officers  and  Soldiers  of  the  First  Mass- 
achusetts Regiment :  As  the  representative  of  the  city  of 
Boston,  I  am  here  with  my  associates  to-day,  bearing  with 
me  a  standard  as  a  symbol  of  the  continued  interest  which 
her  people  feel  in  your  prosperity,  and  as  an  expression  of 
their  gratitude  for  your  gallant  achievements  in  aid  of 
the  national  cause.  The  elegant  flag  which  was  pre- 
sented to  you  on  our  beautiful  Common,  when  you  left 


108  M  EM  QUI  A  L     OF 

your  home,  has  ((tiin'  Ijack  to  us  tattered  and  toiu,  the 
color  of  its  fair  fabric  faded,  its  gold  dimmed  bv  the 
snioki'  of  battle,  but  every  thread  of  its  honored  remnant 
more  precious  than  at  first,  because  of  the  story  of  the 
licroic  deeds  which  have  been  witnessed  under  its  silken 
folds.  I  know  that  yon  are  ever  sustained  by  the  noble 
impulses  which  caused  you  to  volunteer  for  the  defence 
of  our  country,  in  this  perilous  epoch  of  our  nation's  his- 
tory :  but  at  the  same  time  it  must  be  grateful  to  your 
feelings  to  understand  that  your  fellow-citizens  at  home 
appreciate  your  service,  and  desire  in  some  humble  way 
to  show  their  sense  of  the  obligation,  and  to  give  proof  of 
the  sincerity  of  their  regard.  It  is  under  the  influence 
of  such  sentiments,  and  to  embody  in  some  tangible  forni 
this  idea,  that  the  City  Council  of  Boston  has  prepared  a 
new  dag  to  take  the  place  of  the  old  one,  believing  that 
the  future  history  of  the  regiment  will  sustain  tlie  hon- 
ored name  which  its  past  career  has  achieved,  and  that 
new  glories  await  your  progress  in  the  martial  calling  to 
which  you  have  devoted  yourselves.  Your  regiment,  the 
first  in  name,  was  also  the  first  in  point  of  time  to  leave 
old  Massachusetts  to  volunteer  for  three  years'  service  in 
the  army  of  the  Republic,  and  hailing  from  historic 
Uevolutionary  Boston,  the  capital  of  the  Commonwealth, 
its  deeds  have  become  household  words,  and  have  aroused 
an  unusual  glow  of  patriotic  pride  on  the  jiart  of  your 
fiii'uds  at  houic.  This  is  not  the  occasion  to  ret-ount  the 
nundjcr  of  your  engagi'ments  oi'  to  sjieak  ot  the  fields 
where  your  laurels  liave  been  won.  \ nnv  children  will 
rehearse  that  story  to  their  children  ;il  the  fireside  at  the 
evening;-  hour,  and   the  I'litiiic   historian   of  your  i-ountry 


FREDERIC     WALKER    LINCOLN.  1<»'.I 

will    engrave  your    name  and  lame  with    those  of  your 
brothers  in  arms  on  his  immortal  page. 

"  In  almost  every  engagement,  from  the  first  battle  of 
Bull  Run  to  the  last  battle  of  Gettysburg,  through  the 
whole  checkered  career  of  the  noble  Army  of  the  Poto- 
mac, your  regiment  has  given  the  proof  of  their  valor, 
and  testified  to  the  mettle  of  its  men,  and  though  its 
ranks  may  be  thinned,  and  many  a  gallant  comrade  be 
absent  from  the  roll-call,  its  spirit  is  unbroken,  and  its 
courage  as  undaunted  as  ever,  I  must  confess  that  I  do 
not  regret  that  (if  in  the  providence  of  God  it  was  neces- 
sar}'  that  rebellion  must  come)  the  rebels,  wicked  as  they 
are,  have  proved  so  often  'foemen  worthy  of  our  steel.' 
If  the}^  had  acted  as  cowards  or  poltroons  the  glory  of 
our  own  arms  would  not  have  been  so  resplendent,  nor 
the  achievements  of  our  own  brave  fellows  so  worthy  of 
renown.  When  the  conflict  is  over,  and  we  are  again 
reunited  as  one  people,  we  can  then  bid  defiance  to  the 
world  in  arms,  and  the  nation  will  start  anew  in  its  career 
of  prosperity  and  glory.  But  I  must  not  forget  that  I 
stand  in  the  presence  of  men  of  deeds,  and  not  of  words. 
I  must  forbear  to  trespass  so  long  upon  your  patience. 
Your  regiment  has  had  already  one  ovation,  when  the  city 
authorities  assembled  to  do  honor  to  your  first  commander 
[Colonel  Cowdin]  when  he  returned  from  the  seat  of 
war ;  another  awaits  you  when  you  return  as  successful 
soldiers  to  your  homes.  In  the  meantime,  carry  this  flag 
as  a  pledge  of  our  continued  interest  in  j^our  welfare.  It 
comes  from  old  INIassachusetts.  Its  folds  are  redolent 
with  the  fame  of  Faneuil  Hall  and  Bunker  Hill.  As  you 
look  upon  it,  niay  it  put  fresh  vigor  into  your  arms,  and 


no  MEMORIAL    OF 

a  new  courage  into  your  hearts.  Your  past  career,  glo- 
I'ious  as  it  has  been,  will  lie  eclipsed  by  tlie  future  which 
awaits  you.  Mr.  Couimander,  it  is  my  privilege,  as  the 
representative  of  the  city  of  Boston,  in  the  name  of  the 
government  and  its  people,  to  ask  your  acceptance  of  this 
gift,  as  a  token  of  their  regard." 

Col.  N.  B.  McLaughlin  made  a  most  appropriate 
reply,  and  a  benediction  was  given  by  the  chaplain. 
Mayor  Lincoln's  remarks  were  warmly  applauded,  and 
the  whole  affair  passed  off  most  agreeably.  The  distin- 
guished gentlemen  who  went  hence  to  take  part  in  the 
presentation  spoke  in  terms  of  warm  gratitude  of  the 
many  civilities  extended  them  by  General  Canb}''  and 
Colonel  Plowe.  A  pleasant  water  excursion,  and  a  sul> 
sequent  dinner  at  tlie  Astor  House,  were  coni[)liments 
from  the  former  that  did  not  lack  appreciation,  while  the 
latter  extended  the  hospitalities  of  his  home  in  a  graceful 
and  acceptable  nianner. 

INIayor  J^incoln  returned  to  Boston  September  17. 
About  this  time  the  city  of  Philadelphia  presented  to  the 
city  of  Boston  half  a  dozen  deer,  and  it  was  deemed  best 
to  put  them  in  an  enclosure  upon  the  Common,  where 
they  remained  and  increased  in  numbers  for  many  years. 
They  were  the  delight  of  many  children,  and  of  not  a  few 
of  their  elders,  as  they  strolled  around  the  high  enclosure, 
feedino-  them  with  fresh  yrass  and  other  dainties. 

Reported  for  tlie  "Journal": 

"  At  the  request  of  His  Honor  Mayor  Lincoln,  chairman  of 
the  local  {'ommission  of  harbor  defence,  Major-General  John 
A.  Dix,  connuander  of  tlie  Department  of  the  Kast,  visited 
the  harbor  to  inspect  Fort  \Vintlin>i)  and  the  different  posi- 


FREDERIC    ]VALKER    LINCOLN.  Ill 

tions  which  have  been  deterniincd  upon  as  most  available  for 
defence  of  the  city  from  hostile  attack.  The  party  first 
stopped  at  Governor's  Island,  and  after  a  thorough  examina- 
tion there  proceeded  to  Long  Island,  Long  Island  Head,  to 
the  Conscript  Camp,  where  the  general  reviewed  the  com- 
panies stationed  there,  and  to  Deer  Island.  Here  an  ample 
lunch  was  served  and  appreciated,  after  which  Mayor  Lincoln 
addressed  the  company,  being  followed  by  speeclies  from  the 
general  and  other  distinguished  guests.  The  occasion  seems 
to  have  been  both  pleasant  and  profitable." 

On  Nov.  16,  1863,  the  Mayor  sent  out  the  following 
proclamation : 

"  To  the  Citizens  of  liostoii  : 

"  The  president  of  the  United  States  has  officially  called 
upon  you  to  furnish  your  proportion  of  volunteers  to  replen- 
ish the  armies  now  in  the  field  in  the  defence  of  our  common 
country.  That  period  in  the  history  of  the  war  has  arrived 
when  a  resolute  and  determined  effort  upon  the  part  of  the 
loyal  people  will  crush  the  rebellion,  and  again  establish  the 
national  authority  throughout  the  boundaries  of  the  Republic. 

"  Boston,  true  to  her  Revolutionary  renown,  has  so  far  in 
the  present  contest  answered  with  cheerful  alacrity  the  de- 
mands upon  her  patriotism.  Her  sons  have  testified  their 
devotion  to  the  cause  by  many  costly  sacrifices  ;  and  she 
cannot  prove  recreant  in  this  eventful  hour  of  the  great 
struggle  without  traducing  the  memory  of  her  fathers  and 
casting  a  reproach  upon  lier  own  good  name  and  fame.  I  do, 
therefore,  in  conformity  with  a  request  from  the  Recruiting 
Committee  of  the  City  Council,  invite  you  to  meet  in  local 
assemblies,  in  your  respective  wards,  to  take  into  considera- 
tion the  exigencies  of  the  public  service,  and  to  perfect  such 
an  organization  as  will  give  an  expression  to  that  public 
spirit  which  will  arouse  the  community  to  meet  the  require- 
ments demanded  of  it. 


112  MEMOIilAL     OF 

"  Let  not  the  prosperity  of  our  own  affluent  city  lead  us  to 
forget  the  noble  band  of  patriots  in  the  field,  who  have  kept 
the  enemy  from  our  own  doors,  but  let  us  hasten  to  fill  up 
their  ranks,  and  prove  our  gratitude  for  the  services  they 
have  already  rendered  by  furnishing  them  companies  to  par- 
ticii^ate  in  those  glorious  victories  which  are  to  save  the  in- 
tegrity of  the  Union,  and  which,  under  God,  are  to  secure  to 
posterity  the  noble  heritage  bequeathed  to  us  by  our  sires. 

"  Let  all  classes  and  conditions  of  the  people  meet  in  these 
primary  assemblies,  thereby  showing  an  unqualified  loyaltj^ 
to  the  Constitution  and  the  Union  of  the  States,  and  an  iin- 
wavering  support  of  the  Federal  Government  in  its  efforts 
for  the  suppression  of  this  unholy  and  unjustifiable  rebellion. 
Let  the  unanimity  of  our  counsels  and  the  warmth  of  our 
patriotism  cheer  and  strengthen  our  brave  defenders  in  their 
hours  of  peril,  and  carry  dismay  and  confusion  into  the  ranks 
of  the  deluded  men  who  have  dared  raise  their  parricidal 
hands  against  their  country. 

"  F.    W.    LlNCOLX,    Jk..    Mnifor. 

'•  Mayor's  Office,  City  Hall, 
"Boston,  Nov.   16,   ISfi?.." 

P^rom  the  "  Advertiser "' : 

"The  proclamation  of  Mayor  Lincoln  has  the  true,  earnest, 
and  patriotic  tone,  and  should  be  as  the  sound  of  a  trumjiet 
calling  all  good  citizens  to  the  discharge  of  the  duty  of  the 
hour. 

"  In  obedience  to  the  proclamation  of  Mayor  Lincoln,  issued 
on  Monday,  the  citizens  of  the  several  wards  in  the  city  held 
meetings  last  evening  to  inaugurate  the  campaign  for  recruit- 
ing under  the  last  call  of  tlie  i)resident.  The  meetings,  we 
are  glad  to  state,  were  fully  attended,  and  the  proceedings  of 
su(;li  a  nature  and  spirit  as  give  promise  that  the  quota  of 
our  city  will  be  raised  witliin  the  si)ecified  time,  if  indeed  it 
is  not  anticipated.  There  was  no  little  enthusiasm  mani- 
fested, and  in  some  of  the  wartls  it  reached  to  an  eneourair- 


FREDERIC     WALKER    LINCOLN.  113 

ing  pitch.  Many  excellent  speeches  were  made,  and  a  deter- 
mination appeared  to  be  exhibited  to  enter  upon  the  work 
with  heart  and  sonl." 


In    November    Mayor    Lincoln    was    renominated    for 
mayor. 

From  the  Sunday  '^  Gazette,"  Nov.  29,  1863  : 

"  The  Republicans  have  renominated  Hon.  Frederic  W. 
Lincoln,  Jr.,  as  their  candidate  for  mayor.  It  is  the  tifth 
time  he  has  been  placed  in  nomination  by  our  citizens,  and 
the  third  time  the  Republicans  of  Boston  have  tendered  him 
their  nomination.  His  acceptance  last  year  was  the  result 
of  strong  appeals  made  to  him  personally,  and  this  year, 
though  not  unmindful  of  the  honor  conferred,  he  accepts  the 
nomination  of  all  shades  of  political  belief,  who  regard  his 
reelection  as  essential  to  the  best  interests  of  the  city.  Of 
his  election  there  is  no  doubt,  for  outside  of  the  strong  party 
which  pledges  its  support  he  will  receive  many  votes,  and 
we  may  say  that  Mr.  Lincoln  fully  deserves  this  recognition. 
He  has  invariably  represented  this  city  with  dignity  and 
ability  ;  he  is  not  addicted  to  indulging  in  any  grand  schemes 
or  favoring  any  untimely  expense ;  he  is  cautious  and  far- 
seeing,  conservative  without  being  old-fogyish. 

"Mr.  Lincoln's  management  of  affairs  during  the  time  our 
city  was  disturbed  by  a  mob  has  gained  for  him  the  praise 
of  those  who  know  how  firmly  he  met  the  requirements  of 
those  trying  hours,  and  how  ably  he  maintained  the  suprem- 
acy of  the  laws.  The  city  in  the  hands  of  a  man  who  then 
showed  that  he  was  prepared  without  unnecessary  bluster  or 
parade  to  preserve  order  is  safe  at  all  times.  We  might 
occupy  a  column  by  simply  naming  his  acts,  but  the  citizens 
of  Boston  are  familiar  with  his  record,  and  they  will  see  that 
the  luiparalleled  honor  in  our  local  history  is  paid  him,  by 
making  him  mayor  for  a   liftli  term."' 


114  MEMORIAL     OF 

From  a  newspaper  uf  December  14: 

"  Our  city  election  took  place  yesterday.  It  resulted  in 
the  reelection  of  Mayor  Lincoln,  as  was  generally  expected. 
He  received  the  regular  nomination  of  the  Republicans,  and 
had  also  the  support  of  the  Citizens'  and  Parker  House  fac- 
tions. It  is  no  matter  of  wonder,  therefore,  that  being  ujion 
three  several  tickets  he  should  be  returned  to  the  office.  He 
was  reelected  by  4,064  plurality,  and  a  majority  over  all  of 
3,446." 

The  following  is  copied  from  a  newspaper: 

"IGXORANCE    THK    ALLY    OK    TREASON". 

"Hon.  Frederic  W.  Lincoln,  mayor  of  Boston,  is  a  man 
whom  all  good  citizens  delight  to  honor.  B}-  the  laws  of  the 
State  the  Mayor  is  president  of  the  Board  of  School  Com- 
mittee. During  three  years  of  IMr.  Lincoln's  administration 
we  have  been  a  member  of  that  ]>oard,  and  can  bear  most 
hearty  testimony  tliat  the  following  vote  of  thanks,  which 
was  unanimously  })assed  at  the  closing  meeting  for  1863,  was 
not  a  mere  compliment,  but  was  the  utterance  of  the  heart- 
felt sentiments  of  the  Board  : 

" '  Resolved,  That  the  thanks  of  tliis  Board  are  due  to  His 
Honor  the  Mayor  for  the  acceptable  nianner  in  which  he  has 
discharged  his  duties  as  our  president  during  the  past  year  ; 
and  that,  to  liis  familiarity  with  our  rules,  his  dignity  and 
self-respect,  and  the  uniform  courtesy  shown  to  each  member 
of  the  Board,  is  to  be  ascribed  the  order  and  comity  with  which 
every  measure  has  been  discussed  and  decided  throughout  the 
whole  year.  We  feel  happy  in  the  anticipation  of  his  con- 
tinued incumbency  in  office.' 

"  To  this  Mayor  Lincoln  responded  in  a  brief,  api)ropriate 
address.  The  following  portion  of  his  remarks  will  be  read 
with  interest  by  all.  What  lie  says  of  the  great  aid  that  tlH> 
ignorance  of  the  common  })eoj)le  of  the  South  has  been  to  the 
Hf'l)ellion  we  commend  to  tlu*  i)articular  attention  of  tliose  of 
whom   the    l>oston    'Courier"    is  a  representative,  and  who 


FREDERIC    WALKER    LINCOLN.  115 

have  disgraced  themselves  by  ridiculing  the  New  England 
institutions  that  have  imparted  to  these  renegades  all  the 
good  there  is  in  them,  and  have  been  their  bulwark  in 
society. 

"  '  It  is  natural,  I  suppose,  for  the  individuals  of  every  class 
or  profession  into  Avhich  nuinkind  are  divided  to  magnify 
and  perhaps  to  attach  too  much  importance  to  their  respective 
classes  and  merits ;  but  under  a  republican  form  of  govern- 
ment, which  must  depend  for  its  prosperity  ui)on  the  virtiie 
of  the  great  mass  of  the  people,  the  cause  of  public  schools, 
to  which  you  are  devoted,  must  ever  hold  a  high  rank.  I 
verily  believe  that  the  present  unholy  rebellion  which  is  now 
disturbing  our  country  could  not  have  sprung  into  existence 
had  not  its  leaders  had  a  horde  of  ignorant  and  uneducated 
men  for  their  dupes  and  followers.  It  was  among  such  com- 
bustible material  that  they  sought  "to  fire  the  Southern 
heart."  Had  the  great  body  of  Southern  men  in  their  youth 
been  pupils  of  public  schools,  the  treason  would  never  have 
been  so  formidable  in  respect  to  numbers,  and  would  not  have 
required  the  force  of  armed  men  to  })ut  it  down.  Mr.  Rob- 
inson, the  superintendent  of  public  instruction  in  Kentucky, 
in  an  official  document,  argues  that  "  ignorance  was  the  tool  of 
treason  in  the  Soiith."  He  produces  statistics  to  show  that 
''the  counties  in  Kentucky  in  which  common  schools  have 
been  the  most  largely  established  and  most  liberally  sus- 
tained are  those  which  have  been  most  distinguished  for  a 
cordial,  immovable,  and  self-sacrificing  attachment  to  the 
Union." 

" '  The  educated  young  men  of  the  North  have  been  the 
most  devoted  soldiers  in  the  loyal  army  to  defend  their 
country  in  this  hour  of  peril.  That  JJoston  has  had  her  full 
share  of  such  spirits  is  universally  admitted.  The  roll  of  fame 
from  the  graduates  of  the  Latin  School,  displayed  at  their 
public  exhibition  last  summer,  bore  honoi-able  testimony  to 
the  fact,  and  other  schools,  no  doubt,  could  exhil)it  similar 
lists.     Such  examples  are  numerous,  but  one   in   hiiniblc  life, 


116  MEMORIAL    OF 

whicli  fell  under  my  (jl)serv;iti()ii,  1  will  take  the  liberty  to 
relate  to  you. 

"  '  It  was  my  fortune,  on  the  occasion  of  the  annual  school 
festival  in  ISOO,  to  put  a  bouquet,  as  was  our  usual  custom, 
into  the  hands  of  a  medal  scholar.  He  was  a  poor  boy,  the 
son  of  Irish  parents  at  the  North  End.  He  left  school,  but 
the  Rebellion  breaking  out  the  following  year,  he  entreated 
his  father  to  allow  him  to  enlist  in  the  service.  Finally  his 
request  was  granted,  and  he  joined  a  battery  going  to  the 
seat  of  war.  At  the  battle  of  Gettysburg  nearly  all  his 
comrades  at  the  gun  which  he  served  were  killed  or  wounded, 
and  he  remained  at  his  post  after  he  had  been  w^ounded  him- 
self. He  was  noticed  by  his  general,  who  comiuended  him 
for  his  bravery,  and  promoted  him  to  the  rank  of  lieutenant 
on  the  field,  but  the  next  day  he  w^as  wounded  again,  and 
after  lying  in  the  hospital  several  days  he  died.  Before 
leaving  home  to  go  to  the  war  he  gave  his  school  medal  to 
his  father,  with  the  request  that  he  would  wear  it  on  his 
person  as  a  keepsake  while  he  was  gone.  His  father,  hear- 
ing that  he  was  wounded,  went  to  Gettysburg,  and  nursed 
him  in  the  hospital  until  he  died.  Previous  to  his  death  he 
asked  for  his  medal,  and  desired  that  it  might  be  i)ut  upon 
his  ow^n  neck  and  buried  with  him. 

"  '  He  died  cheerfully,  saying  he  had  always  done  his  dut}' 
as  a  soldier,  and  never  had  been  absent  from  duty  a  daj^  until 
he  was  shot.  His  body  was  brought  home.  I  made  arrange- 
ments that  he  should  have  a  soldier's  funeral  ;  and  he  now  fills 
a  hero's  grave.  That  young  man,  whose  period  of  life  was 
only  eighteen  years,  did  not  live  in  vain  ;  the  education  he 
received  was  not  lost,  it  made  him  a  more  brave  and  intelli- 
gent defender  of  his  country's  liberties,  and  he  fell  a  more 
costly  sacrifice  upon  the  altar  of  her  cause.'  " 

From  a  newspaper  rei)ort  we  quote  the  following: 

"Our  limits  will  allow  of  but  a  i)assing  allusion  to  the 
excellent  address  uf  Mayor  Lincoln.     In  his  usual  clear  and 


FREDERIC     WALKER    LINCOLN.  117 

forcible  style  he  has  given  a  full  and  interesting  exposition 
of  the  affairs  of  the  city  during  the  past  year,  accompanied 
with  such  suggestions  as  are  the  result  of  mature  exjjerieuce. 
He  brings  forward  no  new  schemes  for  the  expenditure  of 
the  public  money,  justly  remarking  that  the  works  now  in 
progress  and  the  extraordinary  expenses  growing  out  of 
national  affairs  will  warrant  a  postponement  of  every  new 
project  which  is  not  imperatively  called  for  by  actual  neces- 
sities. Among  the  unfinished  enterprises  are  the  new  City 
Hall  and  the  Free  City  Hospital.  The  former,  we  are  not 
surprised  to  learn,  will  cost  between  three  and  four  hundred 
thousand  dollars,  instead  of  the  original  estimate  of  $160,000? 
and  the  latter  will  not  probably  be  completed  during  the 
present  year. 

"  The  financial  condition  of  the  city  is  on  the  whole  favor- 
able, there  having  been  a  decrease  of  the  water  debt  and  the 
city  debt  proper,  though  there  has  been  an  increase  of  the 
extraordinary  war  debt,  a  part  of  which  will  probably  be  re- 
imbursed. 

"  Among  the  suggestions  made  by  the  Mayor  are  tlie 
abolition  of  the  Board  of  Land  Commissioners;  the  future 
widening  of  State  street  near  its  junction  with  Washington 
street ;  a  careful  consideration  of  tlie  plans  for  the  drainage 
of  the  Back  Bay  territory,  which  the  Mayor  justly  remarks 
is  the  most  momentous  of  the  local  interests  that  will  be 
brought  before  the  Council  during  the  present  year;  a 
radical  reform  in  the  dispensation  of  the  outdoor  charities 
of  the  city ;  investigation  into  the  charges  of  cruelty  in  the 
public  institutions ;  and  the  building  of  a  new  station-house 
in  District  Four  in  place  of  the  one  now  hired  for  the 
purpose. 

"  Other  subjects,  as  the  East  Boston  ferry  question,  the 
relief  of  the  soldiers'  families,  are  commended  to  the  atten- 
tion of  the  Council.  On  the  subject  of  the  li(pior  law  Mayor 
Lincoln  briefly  but  forcibly  sets  forth  the  importance  of  a 
repeal  of  the  present  law  and  the  enactment  of  a  stringent 


118  MEMORIAL    OF 

license  law  with  proper  penalties.  His  views  are  in  accordance 
with  those  already  expressed  in  our  columns,  and  with  the 
enlightened  sentiment  of  the  most  judicious  friends  of  tem- 
perance." 

The  year  1864  was  another  of  great  activity  for  the 
Mayor.  His  journal  gives  but  just  the  statement  of 
events,  as  no  doubt  he  had  not  the  time  to  record  more. 
We  will  mention  some  of  those  of  the  first  month : 

'■'■January  4.  inaugurated  mayor. 

'■^January  5,  meeting  of  bank  directors,  also  at  Board  of 
Trade  before  the  Harbor  Commissioners  of  the  State :  in 
P.M.  meeting  of  the  Lincoln  Wharf  Corporation  [of 
which  he  was  treasurer],  and  later  at  a  meeting  of  the 
Young  Men's  Benevolent  Society  [of  which  he  was  also 
treasurer]  ;  evening  at  home. 

'■'■  January  6,  at  a  dinner  of  the  Cadets  at  Parker  House, 
afterwards  at  annual  meeting  of  Mechanic  Association. 

^'January  7,  evening  at  Mr.  Everett's,  at  a  meeting  of 
the  Tliui"sday  Club,  but  was  called  out  on  the  recruiting 
matter  and  visited  the  governor. 

^^  January  8,  attended  the  inauguration  of  Governor 
Andrew ;  bus}'  making  up  committees  for  the  Board  of 
Aldermen. 

'■'■January  9,  making  up  committees  for  School  Com- 
mittee. 

'•  January  10,  at  Sunday-school  and  church  all  day." 

The  following  days  were  equally  filled  with  duties. 
Kegimenta  were  coming  home  now  in  fast  succession,  to 
all  of  which  were  given  warm  welcomes,  with  dinners, 
speeches,  etc.  Sunday,  January  16,  Maj'or  Lincoln  did 
not  attend  churcli,  as  he  was  engaged  in  the  reception  of 


FREDERIC     WALKER    LINCOLN.  119 

the  Third  Regiment,  which  hud  to  be  given  on  that  day. 
On  the  20th  came  the  Second  Regiment ;  on  the  21st  a 
portion  of  the  Twenty-Third  and  Twenty-Fifth ;  on  the 
23d  a  company  of  the  First  Massachusetts  Cavalry,  with 
reception  at  Faneuil  Hall. 

"  January  24,  at  church  all  day,  called  on  a  friend  who 
was  ill,  and  spent  evening  at  uncle  Fred's. 

'•'-January  25,  in  evening,  meeting  of  standing  commit- 
tee of  Second  Church." 

Many  evenings  following  were  given  to  recruiting 
meetings.  On  February  3  Mayor  Lincoln  went  to  Read- 
ville,  where  General  Burnside  reviewed  the  troops. 

On  the  5th  a  dinner  was  given  in  the  general's  honor 
at  the  Revere  House,  and  a  reception  in  the  evening  at 
a  private  house,  both  of  which  the  Mayor  attended.  On 
the  6th,  at  the  Union  Club ;  General  Burnside  and  Colonel 
Taylor,  of  East  Tennessee,  present.  On  the  10th,  in  the 
afternoon,  at  a  meeting  at  Faneuil  Hall,  to  hear  Colonel 
Taylor  speak,  and  in  the  evening  at  a  party  given  in  his 
honor  at  the  United  States  Hotel.  On  the  12tli  attended 
an  evening  reception,  given  in  honor  of  General  Howard. 
On  February  17  Mayor  Lincoln  entertained  at  his  home, 
64  Pinckney  street.  A  newspaper  report  speaks  of  it  in 
the  following  manner : 

"  His  Honor  Mayor  Lincoln  entertained  a  large  niunber  of 
the  city  officials  and  prominent  citizens  at  his  residence  last 
evening.  Among  the  guests  were  Hon.  Alexander  H.  Bullock, 
Hon.  Robert  C.  Winthrop,  Brigadier-General  Devens,  Adju- 
tant-General Schouler,  Judges  Russell,  Wright,  Rogers,  and 
Maine,  James  M.  Beebe,  Esq.,  Edward  S.  Tobey,  Esq.,  and 
others.  The  flayer's  reception  was  most  cordial,  and  the 
evening  was  passed  very  pleasantly. 


1-20  MKMonf.lL     OF 

"  Duriug  the  evenin^i,' the  members  of  the  National  Lancers, 
Captain  Slade,  waited  upon  the  Mayor,  clad  in  their  new  and 
comfortable  overcoats,  presented  to  them  by  His  Honor  in  be- 
half of  the  City  Council,  for  the  duty  performed  by  the  corps 
during  the  conscription  riot.  After  some  music  by  the  band, 
which,  by  the  way,  was  performed  under  much  difficulty,  on 
account  of  the  bitter  coldness  of  the  evening,  Captain  Slade 
addressed  the  Mayor,  stating  that  the  object  of  this  call  was 
to  tender  the  thanks  of  the  command  for  the  gift  presented 
to  them,  and  said  that  they  thouglittliis  evening  was  a  grand 
time  to  test  the  quality  of  the  coats. 

"The  Mayor  responded  in  a  brief  speech  highly  compli- 
mentary to  the  Lancers.  Captain  Slade  proposed  cheers  for 
the  Mayor,  City  Council,  and  the  citizens  of  Boston,  which 
was  given  with  a  will  by  the  soldiers.  They  then  returned  to 
their  armory,  declining  the  invitation  extended  to  them  by 
His  Honor  to  partake  of  his  hospitality." 

On  February  18  Mayor  Lincoln  started  for  Washing- 
toil,  arriving  there  the  next  evening.  He  visited  the 
Capitol  and  there  met  the  coniiuissioners  in  reference  to 
Boston  Harbor.  Afterwards  he  attended  Mrs.  Lincoln's 
reception  at  the  White  House.  Mr.  Lincoln's  custom, 
when  absent  from  his  wife,  was  to  write  her  every  day, 
and  we  will  here  give  an  extract  from  one  of  his  letters, 
written  while  on  this  trip : 

"To-morrow  we  go  to  the  front  to  Brandy  Station.  If 
we  are  scooped  u[)  by  the  rebels  you  will  hear  of  us  from 
Libby  Prison,  at  Kiciimond.  On  Sunday  morning  we 
went  to  the  front,  spent  the  night  in  the  camp  of  the 
First  Massachusetts  Beginient.  Wc  were  very  well 
received  by  the  three  Massac-husetts  regiments,  and  had 
a  very  jdeasant  and  interesting  time.  I  reviewed  the 
troops,  made  speeches  to  them,  had  a  serenade,  etc.,  and 


FREDERIC     WALKER     LINCOLN.  1  lil 

spent  the  evening  with  John  Minor  Botts,  whose  residence 
is  now  within  our  lines.  We  were  in  some  danger,  I  suj)- 
pose,  as  I  understand  that  on  the  next  day  there  was  a 
cavalry  fight  near  the  place  where  we  spent  the  night; 
l)ut  we  came  home  safely,  and  I  telegraphed  the  chief  to 
inform  you  that  we  had  returned  to  Washington.  We 
expected  to  leave  Wasliington  to-day,  but  have  had  so 
much  business  to  do,  especially  in  enlisting  men,  that  we 
shall  not  leave  until  to-morrow,  when  we  shall  go  to 
Philadelphia  and  spend  Thursday  night.  Our  recruiting 
business  here  has  looked  so  favorable  that  I  have  tele- 
graphed home  for  three  gentlemen  to  come  on  and  finish 
what  we  have  begun.'' 

On  February  26  Mayor  Lincoln  went  to  New  York, 
the  next  day  called  upon  the  mayor  there,  and  in  the 
afternoon  started  for  home.  This  was  his  forty-seventh 
birthday. 

On  May  24  the  new  City  Hospital  was  finished  and 
dedicated.  The  ceremonies  took  place  in  the  hall  of 
pavilion  No.  2,  and  commenced  shortly  after  eleven 
o'clock  A.M.,  Mayor  Lincoln  presiding.  On  the  right  of 
the  Mayor  on  the  platform  were  seated  the  trustees  and 
Hon.  Thomas  C,  Amory  with  Rev.  Mr.  Stiidley,  and 
on  the  left  were  the  committees  of  the  City  Council  on 
Public  Buildings  and  City  Hospital.  The  hall,  capable 
of  comfortably  seating  about  four  hundred  persons,  was 
well  filled  with  citizens,  including  ladies,  interested  in 
the  prosperity  and  success  of  the  institution.  There 
were  addresses  by  .Vlderman  Davies,  Mayor  Lincoln, 
Alderman  Norcross,  and  a  dedicatory  address  by  Hon. 
Thomas  C.  Amory,  Jr. 


122  MEMOUIM.     OF 

On  May  25  was  lield  the  annual  tV'stival  of  the  Amer- 
ican Unitarian  Association  at  Music  Hall,  at  which  Mayor 
Lincoln  presided.  A  few  extracts  fioni  his  address  are 
as  follows  ; 

^''Christian  Friends,  Brothers  and  Sisters :  The  circle 
of  the  anniversary  occasions  of  this  holy  week  would  not 
seem  complete  without  our  pleasant  social  festival.  It  is 
unlike  any  other  occasion,  and  seems  to  comprehend  all 
the  wants  of  our  being  —  the  physical,  the  intellectual,  the 
moral,  and  the  religious.  Its  duties  are  not  confined  to  a 
few  men  in  a  ])ulpit  or  on  a  platform;  but  every  one  is 
expected  to  participate,  to  open  his  mouth,  and  to  enjoy 
to  the  fullest  extent  all  the  privileges  of  the  scene  and 
the  hour. 

"  As  you  have,  with  commendable  alacrity,  performed 
your  part  of  the  contract,  and  disposed  of  '  the  loaves 
and  hshes,'  it  becomes  my  prerogative  to  call  your  atten- 
tion to  the  other  parts  of  the  entertainment.  It  may  be 
that  we  must  confess,  like  St.  Paul,  that  '  after  the  way 
whichi  some  call  heresy,  worship  we  the  God  of  our 
fathers  ;'  yet  we  are  not  bound  to  submit  to  the  judgment 
of  men  in  matters  of  conscience,  but  trust  to  the  mercy  of 
Him  who  lookcth  upon  the  heart.  As  a  sect  our  numbers 
are  limited,  compared  with  other  denominations  of  Chris- 
tian brethren ;  yet  we  may  be  encouraged  by  the  fact  that 
it  is  '  the  little  leaven  which  leaveneth  the  whole  lump,' 
and  by  our  Saviour's  illustration  of  the  mustard-sred. 
Already  we  believe  that  the  inlluence  of  the  liberal 
thought  which  has  been  promulgated  by  our  preachers, 
and  embodied  in  our  literature  and  the  practical  life  of 
many  of  our  professors,  has  modilicd  the  religious  dog- 


FREDERIC    WALKER    LINCOLN.  123 

mas,  more  or  less,  of  every  denomimition  by  which  we 
have  been  surrounded,  and  has  advanced  the  Christian 
theology  of  the  world.  We  may  be  considered  the  Prot- 
estants of  the  Protestants,  but  in  this  we  are  the  lineal 
descendants  of  the  great  Puritan,  John  Robinson,  who, 
on  bidding  adieu  to  the  people  as  they  were  leaving  for 
these  shores,  and  looking  forward  to  the  future  in  a  spirit 
of  prophecy,  said  '  he  was  confident  that  the  Lord  had 
more  truth  and  light  yet  to  break  forth  from  his  holy 
word,'  and  of  John  Cotton,  the  pastor,  successively,  of 
the  churches  in  Boston  in  the  Old  and  New  World,  who 
said  that  although  he  did  '  highl}^  prize  and  much  prefer 
other  men's  judgment,  learning,  wisdom,  and  piety  in 
things  pertaining  to  God  and  his  worship,  yet  he  must 
live  and  act  according  to  his  own  faith,  and  not  accord- 
ing to  theirs.' 

"In  the  crisis  through  whicli  we  are  passing  the  de- 
nomination whose  leading  principles  are  the  paternal 
character  of  God,  and  the  brotherhood  of  man,  can  hold 
no  equivocal  position.  Without  any  disparagement  of  the 
great  denominations  of  the  North,  we  have  a  right  to  point 
with  honest  pride  to  the  record  of  our  own  communion 
in  this  important  stage  of  our  country's  histor}^ ;  to  speak 
of  the  writers  and  preachers  of  our  own  faith  who  have 
stimulated  and  sustained  the  patriotism  of  the  people  by 
their  eloquent  thoughts,  and  to  call  to  affectionate 
remembrance  the  many  gallant  spirits  from  every  parish, 
from  the  pulpit  as  well  as  the  pews,  in  many  cases,  the 
shepherd  as  well  as  the  flock,  who  have  joined  the  hosts 
who  have  rushed  to  their  country's  defence  in  its  hour  of 
peril,  many  of  whom    have    laid    down   their  lives  as  a 


I-}  MI-.MOUIM.     (IF 

j)i('ci<iiis  sai-iilice  in  its  be-half.  The  ett'orts  of  the  l»i'ave 
Micii  ill  the  liehl  have  been  shared  by  the  eoiresponding 
hil)()is  of  the  fair  women  at  lioiiic.  X'e.stries  have  been 
turned  into  dispensaries  and  ch)tliiiig  establishments  ;  and 
a  new  dignity  has  been  given  to  the  humble  sewing- 
circle,  as  it  has  become  an  important  instrument  in  pro- 
moting tlu'  nation's  welfare.  Through  the  blessing  of 
God,  the  nation  is  to  be  saved." 

For  many  months  previous  a  great  and  general  interest 
had  lieen  taken  in  the  proposed  visit  of  the  Russian  fleet 
to  Boston,  and  enthusiastic  plans  were  made  for  their 
reception.  They  arrived  the  latter  part  of  May,  Admiral 
Lessoffsky's  flagship  reaching  the  harbor  on  the  21)th. 
The  entertainment  of  the  admiral  and  the  oflicers  of 
the  fleet  extended  over  a  week's  time.  Their  first  visit 
was  to  the  governor  at  the  State  House,  then  to  the 
Mayor  at  City  Hail,  and  afterwards  they  were  conducted 
to  the  Athenaeum,  the  Public  Library,  the  City  Hospital, 
the  Spencer  Rifle  Factory,  and  other  local  institutions. 
One  day  they  went  to  Lawrence  to  examine  the  Paeiflc 
and  Washington  Mills,  another  to  the  Navy  Yard  and 
private  monitor  yards,  the  public  schools,  etc. 

On  another  day  tlu!y  had  an  ()[)portunity  to  ins])eet 
the  fortifications  in  the  harbor  and  the  city  institutions 
at  Deer  Jsland.  On  June  7  a  grand  banquet  was  given 
in  their  honor  at  the  Revere  House,  by  the  Mayor  and 
City  Council,  l)eing  presided  over  by  the  Mayor.  The 
admiral  occuipied  a  seat  on  liis  right  and  Mr.  Evei'ctt  on 
his  left.  There  were  about  two  hundred  gentlemen 
present.  The  city  afterwards  published  a  ]>am})hlet 
«ri\in''-  a    lull  account  of  this   inlerestini''  occasion. 


FREDERIC     M'ALKEIi     LINCOLN.  125 

On  June  8  a  musical  festival  by  tlie  school  children  was 
given  for  their  entertainment  at  Music  Hall.  The  sailors 
had  a  parade  and  a  dinner  given  them  on  the  Common. 
During  the  parade  they  halted  at  City  Hall,  and  received 
with  cheers  Mayor  Lincoln,  who  came  down  and  joined 
the  column.  On  the  Common  the  Mayor  and  Admiral 
Lessoffsky  walked  arm  in  arm  down  the  wdiole  length  of 
the  line,  saluting  and  being  saluted  by  the  men  as  they 
passed.  Afterwards  the  Russians  were  marched  to  the 
westerly  side  of  Flag  Staff  Hill,  and  there  formed  in  a 
triangular  body,  with  the  apex  to  the  rear.  Several  mem- 
bers of  the  City  Government  were  in  a  conspicuous  place 
in  the  front,  and  in  this  position  the  photographs  of  the 
whole  party  were  taken  in  a  bod3^  All  these  entertain- 
ments passed  off  very  successfully  and  enjoyably  to  all 
concerned. 

About  this  time  Mayor  Lincoln  attended  and  made  an 
address  at  the  dedication  of  the  Museum  of  the  Society 
of  Natural  History,  at  their  new  building,  corner  of  Boyl- 
ston  and  Berkeley  streets. 

Recruiting  still  demanded  much  attention  and  activity 
on  the  part  of  the  authorities.  The  following  appeal  to 
the  citizens  was  issued  by  the  Mayor : 

"  Mayor's  Office,  City  Hall, 

"Boston,  June  28,  1864. 

"  The  attention  of  the  citizens  of  Boston  is  respectfully 
called  to  the  amiexed  circular.  It  affords  the  opportu- 
nity to  those  interested  in  the  success  of  the  national 
cause  to  give  to  the  country  the  proof  of  theii-  patriotism 
by  placing  in  tlie  army  a  personal  re[)reseutative.    In  this 


126  MEMORIAL    OF 

crisis  of  our  nation's  liistor}-  the  ap^ieals  to  every  citizen 
for  assistance  and  the  phan  proposed  will  no  doubt  be 
embraced  by  those  of  a  public  spirit  to  increase  our  force 
in  the  field  and  thereby  put  an  end  to  the  struggle  which 
is  distracting  the  country.  All  cannot  go  to  the  front 
and  give  their  personal  service,  but  every  citizen  has  now 
tlie  privilege  of  voluntarily  placiuL;-  his  representative 
there  and  thus  securing  the  prompt  and  decisive  over- 
throw of  the  Rebellion.  Our  brothers  in  arms,  fighting 
for  our  homes  and  the  integrity  of  the  Republic,  appeal 
to  us  for  aid  to  lill  up  tlieir  ranks.  Let  us  encourage 
their  efforts  by  our  own  zeal  and  self-sacritice.  Let  the 
good  cause  be  strengthened  by  the  new  recruits  which 
shall  rally  to  the  support  of  the  national  flag,  and  the 
blessings  of  a  good  government,  which  were  bequeathed 
to  us  by  our  fathers,  we  shall  be  instrumental  in  trans- 
mitting to  our  children.  Every  ward  in  the  city  has  a 
recruiting-ollice,  under  the  charge  of  an  Alderman,  which 
will  aid  in  the  work.  Let  Boston,  true  to  her  Revolution- 
ary renown,  and  in  accordance  with  the  spirit  she  has 
already  evinced  in  the  present  contest,  nobly  respond  to 
this  new  call  upon  her  patriotism. 

"  F.  W.  Lincoln,  Jr.,  iHfavor." 


"WaII    l)i:i'AIiTiMENT, 

"  Provost  Marshal  General's  Office, 
"  Wasiuncton,   I). p.,  .Line  2(),  1864. 
"  Circular  No.  2'). 

"Persons  not  lit  foi'  niilitarv  duty  and  not  liable  to 
draft,  from  age  or  other  causes,  have  expressed  a  desire 
to  be  personally  represented  in  the  army.  In  addition  to 
the  contributions  they  liave  made  in  the  way  ol  bounties, 


FREDERIC    WALKER    LINCOLN.  127 

they  propose  to  procure  at  their  own  expense,  and  present 
for  enlistment,  recruits  to  represent  them  in  the  service. 
Such  practical  patriotism  is  worthy  of  special  commenda- 
tion and  encouragement.  Provost  marshals,  and  all  other 
officers  acting  under  this  bureau,  are  ordered  to  furnish 
all  the  facilities  in  their  power  to  enlist  and  muster 
promptly  the  acceptal)le  representative  recruits  presented, 
in  accordance  with  the  design  herein  set  forth. 

"  The  name  of  the  person  w' hom  the  recruit  represents 
will  be  noted  on  the  enlistment  and  descriptive  roll  of  the 
recruit,  and  will  he  carried  forward  from  those  pa[)ers  to 
the  other  official  records  which  form  his  military  history. 

"  Suitably  prepared  certificates  of  this  personal  represen- 
tation in  the  service  will  be  forwarded  from  this  office,  to 
be  filled  out  and  issued  by  provost  marshals  to  the  per- 
sons who  put  in  representative  recruits. 

"  James  B.  Fry, 
"  Provost  Marshal   General.'''' 

The  Fourth  of  July  was  celebrated  in  the  usual  manner. 
Invitations  to  participate  in  the  proceedings  were  sent  to 
distinguished  individuals,  and  we  print  tlie  following 
reply  received  from  the  Secretary  of  State : 

"Depart^lent  of  State, 
"  Washington,  June  30,  1864. 
"  To  THE  Hon.  Frederic  W.  Lincoln,  Mayor  of  Boston  : 
"  Sir  :  I  present  my  grateful  acknowdedgments  to  the 
City  Council  of  Boston  for  the  kind  remembrances  of  me 
in  connection  with  the  ajipi-oaching  recurrence  of  the 
Fourth  of  July.  I  trust  that  the  solemnities  with  which 
the  eighty-eighth  anniversary   of    Independence    will  be 


128  MEMOniAL    OF 

celebrated  will  inspire  tlie  Aiuericim  people  with  siuh 
firm  resolution  to  maintain  the  integrity  of  the  nation  in 
the  present  struggle  that  when  the  eighty-ninth  anniver- 
sary shall  have  come  it  may  find  us  once  more  a  united, 
peaceful,  and  harmonious  country,  with  all  our  institutions 
firmly  established  on  the  basis  of  the  equal  rights  of  all 
men.     I  have  the  honor  to  be 

"  Your  most  obedient  servant, 
"William  II.  Sewakd." 

The  following  explains  itself: 

"Mayor's  Office,  City  Hall, 

"Boston,  Oct.  24,  1864. 
"  To  the  Honorable  the  Senate  and  House  of  Jiepresentatives 
of  the    Commonwealth  of  Massachusetts^    in    General 
Court  assembled : 
"  The  undersigned,  Mayor  of  the  city  of  Boston,  respect- 
fully petitions  your  honorable  body  for  an  Act  giving  the 
city  of  Boston  authorit}-  to  take  and  hold  lands  necessary 
for  the   location   and  construction  of  a  new  reservoir  on 
and  near  the  line  of  the  aqueduct,  between  Lake  Cochit- 
uate  and  the  Brookline  reservoir,  in  the  towns  of  Newton, 
Brighton,  and  Brookline,  and  to  connect  said  new  reser- 
voir by  proper  conduits  and  pipes  with  the  conduits  and 
pipes  already  laid  ;  and  also  for  authority  to  borrow  money 
to  be  expended  in  the  construction  of  such  reservoir. 
"  By  order  of  the  City  Council. 

"  F.   \V.   LiNcor.N,  Ju.,  J/rt//(>r." 

This  was   the   beginning  of   the    Chestnut    Hill    lu'ser- 
voir. 


FREDERIC    WALKER    LINCOLN.  129 

"New  Lincoln  Club. —  At  a  meeting  of  the  Execu- 
tive Committee  of  the  Union  Club  of  Ward  5,  hi'kl  last 
evening  at  their  club-room,  71  Chambers  street,  it  was 
unanimously  agreed  to  dissolve,  the  objects  of  the  club 
having  been  accomplished.  The  president,  Thomas  Gaf- 
field,  Esq.,  presided,  and  speeches  were  made  by  him  and 
by  several  members  of  the  club.  By  a  vote  of  the  mem- 
bers present  it  was  unanimously  agreed  to  foi-m  a  new 
club,  to  be  called  the  Lincoln  Club,  and  to  have  for  its 
object  the  reelection  of  F.  W.  Lincoln  as  mayor." 

In  the  early  part  of  November  honors  were  paid  to  the 
heroes  of  the  "  Kearsarge." 

From  the  "  Sunday  Gazette "  of  November  13  we 
copy  the  following  condensed  account : 

"  On  Thursday  we  had  tlie  reception  to  Captain  \Viiislo\\', 
officers  and  crew  of  the  '  Kearsarge/  at  Faueuil  Hall.  For- 
tunate for  Boston,  this  noble  ship  came  into  this  port,  where 
she  rightfully  belongs,  for  her  officers  and  crew  are  mainly 
New  England  men.  and  Captain  Winslow  is  a  citizen  of  Rox- 
bury,  where  his  family  resides.  Though  the  day  was  gloomy, 
there  was  warmth  in  the  hearts  of  our  people,  and  as  the 
Committee  of  Reception,  with  the  distinguished  guests  and 
the  jack  tars,  under  escort  of  a  battalion  of  marines  from  the 
Navy  Yard,  passed  over  the  designated  route,  the  people 
turned  out  en  masse  to  do  them  honor.  At  Faneuil  Hall  the 
scene  was  every  way  a  pleasant  one  for  the  eye  of  a  patriot 
to  rest  upon.  The  galleries  were  filled  witli  ladies  and  gen- 
tlemen, among  whom  was  Mrs.  Winslow,  the  wife  of  the 
guest  of  the  day,  and  the  decorators  had  done  all  tluit  the 
short  time  allowed  them  to  adorn  tlie  hall.  The  names  of 
Winslow  and  Tliornton  were  conspicuously  displayed,  and 
appropriate  mottoes,  flags,  and  bunting  gave  to  the  hall  a 
very  attractive  appearance. 


130  MEMOJilAL    OF 

"The  addresses  were  brief  and  excellent.  The  ^Mayor's 
words  of  welcome  spoke  the  spirit  which  prevails  in  this 
community  towards  the  captors  of  the  'Alabama.'  Col.  W. 
S.  King  greeted  the  guests  in  the  name  of  the  Common- 
wealth, and  in  behalf  of  the  army,  Mr.  Rice  spoke  for  the 
whole  country,  and  Mr.  Everett,  representing  the  people, 
tlianked  Captain  Winslow  and  Lieutenant  Thornton  for 
doing  '  the  Lord's  work  on  the  Lord's  Day.'  Judge  Kussell 
and  R.  H.  Dana  were  at  home  with  the  old  sea-dogs,  and 
Father  Taylor's  blessing  came  from  the  bottom  of  his  heart. 
Jack  appeared  pleased,  in  fact  he  was  uproarious,  and  when 
he  discovered  that  Captain  Worden  of  the  '  Monitor '  was  on 
the  platform,  he  would  not  rest  till  he  had  given  him  nine 
cheers.  Captain  Winslow's  reply  to  all  tliese  congratulations 
Avas  modest  and  becoming,  and  his  pleasant,  intelligent  face 
and  most  fascinating  manners  have  won  him  the  respect  of 
our  whole  people.  In  the  procession,  many  undoubtedly 
noticed  a  little  chap,  in  full  toggery,  who  is  one  of  the  crew 
of  the  'Kearsarge.'  During  the  fight  with  the  'Alabama' 
he  was  on  deck,  occupied  princii)ally  in  looking  after  a  large 
dog  who  was  seizing  the  splinters  made  by  the  shot  from  the 
'  Alabama.'  In  the  thickest  of  the  fight,  the  youngster,  who 
is  a  Spanish  waif,  asked  permission  of  Lieutenant  Thornton 
to  carry  the  dog  forward,  as  he  was  afraid  he  would  get  hurt, 
and  I'into  was  dragged  along  while  the  balls  were  fiying 
thick  and  fast,  to  even  a  more  exposed  position  than  he  occu- 
pied before,  but  both  dog  and  would-be  protector  escaped. 
The  two  men  wounded  on  board  the  '  Kearsarge,'  now  conva- 
lescent, at  the  request  of  Mr.  Everett  came  forward,  and  re- 
ceived the  plaudits  of  the  assemblage.  The  inspiriting 
music  of  Gilmore's  Band,  the  earnestness  of  the  speakers 
and  the  occasion,  have  never  been  surpassed.  1  hough  hastily 
gotten  up,  we  think  the  citizens  of  Boston  will  thank  ]\Iayor 
Lincoln  for  thus  })romptly  giving  a  Boston  welcome  to  the 
noble  officers  and  crew  of  the  '  Kearsarge.' '' 


frederic  walker  lincoln.  131 

"  Mayoils  Office,  City  Mall, 
"  Boston,  Nov.  16,  1864. 

"  for  the  soldiers  in  the  field  and  hospital. 

"  The  undersigned  respectfully  calls  the  attention  of  our 
citizens  to  the  appeal  to  provide  a  Thanksgiving  dinner 
for  the  brave  men  now  absent  from  their  homes  and  in 
arms  for  the  defence  of  our  National  Union.  The  City 
Committee  of  Boston  will  act  in  concurrence  with  the 
New  York  Committee ;  and  I  can  assure  the  benevolent 
that  their  donations  will  be  judiciously  apportioned. 

"  It  will  be  seen  l)y  the  appeal  in  the  daily  papers  that 
articles  may  be  sent  to  the  old  Post-Offiee  building,  corner 
of  Summer  and  Chauncy  streets,  where  they  will  be  care- 
fully packed,  and  forwarded  free  of  expense  b}"  Adams  & 
Co.'s  Express.     Money  may  be  sent  to  the  Mayor's  office. 

"  Our  own  Thanksgiving  festival  will  be  enjoyed  with  a 
deeper  sense  of  gratitude  to  God  when  we  reflect  that  we 
have  ourselves  contributed  to  the  comforts  of  our  absent 
brothers. 

"  A  hearty  response  is  anticipated  from  the  well-known 
liberality  of  the  citizens  of  Boston. 

"  F.  W.  Lincoln,  Jr., 

"  3Iiij/or." 

At  the  Grand  Union  Thanksgiving  Festival  at  Music 
Hall  Mayor  Lincoln  made  a  few  remarks,  alluding  to  the 
very  generous  response  which  had  been  made  to  the  call 
for  materials  for  a  Thanksgiving  festival  for  tlie  Massa- 
chusetts soldiers.  He  said  that  during  the  day  he  had 
received  over  a  thousaiid   dollars   in   easli,  and    a   sfreat 


132  MEMORIAL    OF 

uumbci-  of  turkeys,  etc.,  had  beeu  contributed.  He 
further  stated  that  when  the  Massachusetts  soldiers  in 
and  around  W.ishington  had  ])een  supplied,  those  in  the 
camps  in  this  vicinity  and  the  sailors  on  board  the  receiv- 
ing-ship at  the  Charlestown  Navy  Yard  would  receive 
attention. 

During  that  year  Mayor  Lincoln  sold  his  house  on 
Pinckney  street  and  bought  one  on  Louisburg  square  on 
the  upper  side,  corner  of  Pinckney  street,  which  was  large 
and  spacious,  and  proved  a  happy  home  for  many  years. 
In  November  ^fayor  Lincoln  was  again  renominated 
mayor  and  elected  in  December  by  a  majority  of  4,149. 

Of  his  inaugural  address,  in  January,  1805,  the  Boston 
"  Journal "  says  : 

"  We  trust  that  no  citizen  of  Boston  who  takes  an  interest 
in  its  affairs  will  fail  to  read  the  address  of  His  Honor  tlie 
Mayor  at  the  organization  of  the  City  Government.  Although 
seemingly  long,  it  is  an  admirably  condensed  review  of  the 
affairs  of  the  city,  presenting  a  great  variety  of  topics,  some 
of  them  of  momentous  importance.  We  Avill  not  attempt  a 
review  or  synopsis  of  the  document,  but  we  cannot  but  ex- 
press the  gratification  which  all  our  citizens  will  undoubtedly 
feel  that  the  affairs  of  our  city  have  been  so  wisely  managed 
and  are  in  so  favorable  a  condition." 

Another  busy  year  for  Mayor  Lincoln  opened  in  1865. 
( )n  January  2  occur  the  exercises  of  the  opening  of  the 
"•  (^uincy  House  for  the  Friendless,"  with  an  address  by 
the  Mayor  as  president.  On  January  10  a  great  meeting 
was  held  at  Faiieuil  Hall  for  tlie  purpose  of  inaugurating 
measures  to  furnish  relief  to  the  [>eople  of  Savannali.     As 


FREDERIC     WALKER    LINCOLN.  133 

one  speaker  re  marked  :  "  It  was  announced  to  us  two 
weeks  ago  that  Savannah  had  fallen ;  and  we  could  but 
rejoice.  But  we  have  since  received  far  more  cheering 
intelligence,  and  our  joy  has  been  increased.  Instead  of 
the  fall  of  Savannah,  we  have  come  here  to-day  to  con- 
gratulate that  city  upon  its  having  risen  up  again  to  free- 
dom and  dignity  of  American  citizenship.  The  gallant 
Sherman,  after  his  march  of  unexampled  glory  and 
triumph  from  Atlanta  to  the  sea,  drove  the  rebel  forces 
from  the  devoted  city,  and  redeemed  it  forever.  With 
all  our  heart  we  receive  them  to  our  confidence  and  our 
regard.  And  we  are  prompted  to  do  more  than  this. 
We  hear  of  sufferings  and  of  destitution  among  them, 
and  we  propose  to  help  them." 

The  people  responded  generously  to  the  call,  and  much 
valuable  aid  was  rendered  to  the  sufferers. 

On  January  19  a  large  concourse  of  the  citizens  of 
Boston  assembled  at  noon  in  Faneuil  Hall,  in  accordance 
with  the  summons  of  Mayor  Lincoln,  to  testify  to  the 
public  grief  at  the  sudden  death  of  Edward  Everett. 
Mayor  Lincoln  took  the  chair,  and  prayer  was  offered 
by  Rev.  Ur.  Lothrop.  The  Mayor  then  made  an  address. 
Among  other  heartfelt  remarks  he  said  :  "•  The  sad  event 
which  has  called  us  together  has  cast  a  shadow  over  all 
the  land,  but  its  deepest  gloom  is  naturally  felt  in  this 
community,  and  this  venerable  hall,  clad  in  its  mourning 
habiliments,  freely  represents  the  grief  which  oppresses 
all  our  hearts.  The  opening  dawn  of  the  first  day  of  the 
week  closed  the  earthly  career  of  our  foremost  man ;  and 
we  are  assembled,  before  his  body  has  received  its  funeral 
rites,  and  has  been  ''  committed  to  the  holy  mystery  of 


lo4  MKMOIUAL     OF 

the  ground,"  to  do  honor  to  his  memory,  and  to  express 
our  sense  of  tlie  bereavement  we  have  sustained  by  his 
deatli.  The  world  is  better  that  he  has  lived  in  it;  and 
his  memory  will  be  one  of  those  rich  ti'easures  which  his 
countrymen  will  never  have  taken  away  from  them." 

Later  a  statue  of  him  was  erected  on  the  Public  Gar- 
den to  his  memory. 

During  this  month  the  Mayor  gave  a  reception.  The 
followino-  is  a  newspaper  account : 

"  The  animal  levee  of  iMayor  Linccjln  took  place  last  even- 
ing at  his  residence  in  Louisburg  stpiare.  His  hospitable 
rooms  were  thronged,  some  six  hundred  having  paid  their 
addresses  during  the  evening.  Among  those  present  were 
Governor  Andrew,  Chief-Justice  ])igelow,  President  Field, 
Speaker  Bullock,  Collector  Goodrich,  members  of  the  Cit}'^ 
Government  and  School  Committee,  Hon.  Josiah  Quiucy, 
Judges  Kussell.  Maine,  and  others.  The  occasion  was  one  of 
much  enjoyment.  His  Honor  appeared  in  unusually  good 
spirits,  as  well  he  might,  surrounded  by  such  a  blaze  of 
notables.  It  was  long  ago  discovered  that  the  Mayor's  levees 
were  happy  and  profitable  affairs,  and  ever  since  the  discovery 
they  have  been  largely  and  promptly  attended.  Many  of  the 
guests  last  evening  improved  a  favored  opportunity  to  make 
the  acquaintance  of  the  female  portion  of  the  Mayor's  family." 

Ill  April  the  Mayor  issued  the  following: 
"The  patriotic  citizens  of  Boston  who  desire   to   ex- 
change congratulations  upon  the  recent  glorious  victories 
achieved  by  the  Union  army  are  requested  to  assemble 
at  Faneuil  Hall,  at  3  o'clock  this  day,  Tuesday,  April  4, 

1865. 

''F.  W.  Lincoln,  Jr., 

"  3Iaijory 


FREDERIC     WALKER    LINCOLN.  135 

The  committee  of  arrangements  invited  the  citizens  to 
display  their  flags  during  the  day.  A  national  salute 
was  fired  at  3  o'clock,  the  hour  of  the  meeting,  and  a 
great  jubilee  gathering  held.  On  April  10  the  following 
was  issued : 

"  Mayor's  Office,  City  Hall, 
"  10  o'clock  A.M., 

"  Boston,  April  10,  1865. 

"  The  undersigned,  congratulating  the  city  of  Boston 

on  account  of  the  glorious  news  received  this  day  of  the 

surrender,  under  General  Grant,  of  Gen.  Robert  Lee  and 

the  Confederate  army,  respectfully  suggests  in  honor  of 

the  event,  and  as  a  testimonial  of  gratitude  to  the  Union 

army   who  have    achieved   this    success,   that  a  general 

illumination  take  place  this  evening.     A  salute  of  one 

hundred  guns  will  be  fired  from  the  Common  by  Captain 

Cummings'  Battery,  and  the  bells  of  the  city  will  be  rung 

at  12  o'cock.     Bands  of  music  will  march  through  the 

streets  and  rockets  will  be  discharsfed  from  the  Common 

during  the  evening. 

"F.  W.  Lincoln,  Jr., 

"  Mayor:' 

Great  was  the  excitement  and  enthusiasm  all  through 
the  city.  Schools  were  closed,  meetings  held,  patriotic 
speeches  made,  etc.,  all  in  the  line  of  great  jubilation. 

"  A  Long  Walk.  —  The  '  Herald  '  says  Henry  Heyne- 
man,  who,  at  the  commencement  of  the  Rebellion,  made  a 
vow  that  when  our  armies  captured  Richmond  he  woidd 
walk  the  whole  distance  from  Boston  to  Washington,  and 
carry  an  American  flag,  will  start  on  his  lengthy  pedes- 


136  MK.yoUlAL     OF 

trian  toui-  on  Monday  next,  at  8  o'clock  A.M.,  from  tl»e 
steps  of  the  State  House.  A  beautiful  silk  Hag  has  been 
presented  to  him  by  Mayor  Lincoln  in  behalf  of  the  city.'' 

But  how  soon  all  this  feeling  of  joy  was  to  be  turned 
to  sadness  in  the  news  issued  from  the  War  Department ! 
On  the  evening  of  April  14  Mayor  Lincoln  had  taken 
part  in  dedicating  the  Boston  Light  Infantry  lieadquartei-s 
in  the  old  Pine-street  Church  building,  and  afterwards 
visited  the  Boston  Theatre  and  met  Colonel  Kurtz,  the 
chief  of  police.  It  was  the  Ma3'or's  custom,  during  his 
occupancy  of  tlie  executive  office,  occasionally  to  make 
night  tours  of  the  city  theatres  and  other  entertainments, 
and  occasionall}'  the  ''slums."  He  was  often  escorted  on 
these  exfjeditions  by  Colonel  Kurt/.,  as  on  the  niglit  in 
question.  As  they  were  turning  their  steps  homewards, 
they  were  approached  by  a  messenger  boy,  quiet  in 
demeanor,  who  inquired  the  way  to  the  home  of  Cov- 
ernor  Andrew. 

The  l)oy"s  urgency  led  the  Mayor  to  inquire  the  cause 
of  his  search  for  the  governor  at  such  a  late  hour,  and 
the  youngster  tremulously  gave  out  the  information  that 
the  president  of  tlie  United  States  had  been  shot,  in  Fcird's 
Theatre  at  \\''ashington.  Witli  a  vit'w  to  possible  con- 
sequent occurrences,  the  Mayor  and  the  chief  parted,  tlie 
former  to  accompany  tlie  boy  to  the  governor's  residence, 
the  latter  to  his  office  in  the  City  Hall.  Both  had  the  mem- 
ory of  the  draft  riots,  that  had  taken  place  three  years  be- 
fore, on  their  minds.  Wliat  might  follow  an  assassination 
was  to  be  provided  against.  Governor  Andrew  had 
retired  for  the  night.  He  read  the  despatch,  which  con- 
lirnied  the  boy's  announcement.     The  night  was  spent  by 


FREDERIC    WALKER    LINCOLN.  137 

these  officials  preparing  for  any  possible  outbreak  that 
might   arise    from    disorderly    elements   when   the  news 
came  to  the  public  through  the  newspapers  in   tlie  morn- 
ing.    Happily  such  a  demonstration  was  averted. 
The  Mayor  at  once  issued  the  following  : 

"  Mayor's  Office,  City  Hall, 

"Boston,  April  15,  1865. 
"  Tlie  citizens  of  Boston  are  requested  to  assemble  in 
Faneuil  Hall  this  afternoon,  at  3  o'clock,  to  unite  in  a 
public  expression  of  tlieir  sense  of  the  bereavement  which 
the  nation  has  sustained  in  the  death  of  the  late  presi- 
dent of  the  United  States,  Abraham  Lincoln. 

"  F.  W.  Lincoln,  Jr., 

"  Mayor:' 

A  most  impressive  meeting  was  held,  but  these  days 
are  too  fresh  in  the  minds  of  many  to  need  further  men- 
tion here.  Mayor  Lincoln  went  to  Washington  and  at- 
tended the  funeral.  On  June  1  a  national  fast  day 
was  observed  in  Boston  in  accordance  with  the  recom- 
mendation of  the  president  of  the  United  States,  to  com- 
memorate the  virtues  and  public  services  of  Abraham 
Lincoln,  and  to  give  expression  to  the  sorrow  of  the 
people.  A  civic  and  military  procession  was  formed, 
moving  through  the  principal  streets ;  and  a  eulogy  was 
pronounced  by  Hon.  Charles  Sumner  at  Music  Hall. 

The  Fourth  of  July  was  celebrated  as  formerly,  Mayor 
Lincoln  making  an  address  at  Faneuil  Hall. 

During  the  summer  many  distinguished  guests  were 
entertained    in  Boston,    among  them   Admiral  Farragut 


138  MKMOIUAL     OF 

and  (leneral  AiuU'isoii,  for  butli  of  wliom  Mayor  Lincoln 
gave  a  reception  at  liis  home  in  Lonisbnrg  sqnare.  Tlien 
later  came  Lieutenant-General  Grant,  who  received  a  great 
ovation,  the  general  meeting  the  people  in  Faneuil  Hall 
amid  the  wild,  mad  enthusiasm  of  the  masses. 

General  Grant's  visit  in  Boston  was  of  snch  short 
duration  that  Mayor  Lincoln  was  obliged  to  give  a  recep- 
tion to  him  at  his  home  on  Sunday  evening.  Many  dis- 
tinguished })ersons  were  present. 

In  September  the  new  City  Hall  was  dedicated  amid 
interesting  ceremonies.  Mayor  Lincoln  received  the 
keys  as  the  representative  of  the  Executive  Government, 
and  afterwards  delivered  an  address  of  which  was  said  : 
"  The  dedicatory  address  of  Mayor  Lincoln  on  the  occa- 
sion is  one  of  the  very  l)est  productions  of  tlu^  kind  that 
ever  was  made  :  terse,  concise,  and  spirited,  and  full  of 
useful  kiu)wledgc  and  sound  suggestions.  No  man  speaks 
more  to  the  point  than  Mayor  Lincoln,  and  he  never 
wastes  words." 

In  December  Mayor  Lincoln  was  again  reelected  amid 
very  little  excitement  and  with  slight  opposition. 

The  following  correspondence  explains  itself: 

"  Boston,  Nov.  10,  18()5. 
"  Hon.  FuKDKiiic  \V.  Lincoln,  Jii. : 

"  Dp: All  Sir:  We  have  the  honor  to  inform  you  that  at 
a  meeting  of  the  Uepublicaii  Ward  and  City  Committee 
held  last  (ivening  you  were  unanimously  renominated 
for  the  oflice  of  mayor  of  Boston  for  the  ensuing  munici- 
pal year.  The  great  satisfaction  which  your  administra- 
tion   has  given  the   citi/cns  of    Boston,   during  the   six 


FREDERIC     WALKER    LINCOLN.  139 

3'eiirs  which  you  have  filled  the  office  of  mayor,  assures 
us  that  in  again  presenting  your  name  for  the  suffrage  of 
your  fellow-citizens,  their  wishes  and  the  best  interests 
of  the  city  will  be  served  by  your  acceptance  of  the 
nomination,  made  with  such  unanimity,  and  wliich  we 
now  have  the  pleasure  of  tendering  in  behalf  of  a  large 
majority  of  the  voters  of  this  municipality.  We  are 
aware  that  in  consequence  of  the  war,  the  otHce  of  chief 
magistrate  of  this  city  during  the  past  three  years  has 
been  one  of  unusual  labor,  and  the  faithful  manner  in 
which  3^ou  have  discharged  its  duties  is  well  known  and 
appreciated  by  your  fellow-citizens.  We  are  also  aware 
that  in  asking  of  you  another  year's  service,  it  may  prove 
one  of  more  labor  and  anxiety  than  any  which  have  pre- 
ceded it.  The  appearance  in  the  harbor  of  New  York  of 
that  dreadful  scourge,  Asiatic  cholera,  warns  us  that  our 
own  city  cannot  escape  its  I'avages  should  it  visit  our 
shores  the  coming  year,  unless  the  efforts  which  you  are 
now  making  to  place  the  city  in  a  proper  sanitary  condi- 
tion shall  be  faithfully  and  constantly  continued.  Your 
intimate  knowledge  of  the  various  interests  of  Boston,  and 
the  experience  in  the  City  Council  of  most  of  the  candi- 
dates nominated  for  the  Board  of  Aldermen,  warrant  us 
in  believing  that  the  welfare  and  prosperity  of  our  city 
for  another  year  cannot  be  intrusted  to  better  hands. 
"•  We  are  yours  very  truly, 

"  Albert  J.  Wkight, 

"  President. 
"  (Signed) 
"S.    B.    Stebbins,       \  Secretaries." 

"  H.    H.    COOLIDGE,         ' 


140  MKMOl.'lAL     OF 

"  Mavou's  r)FFicE,  City  Hall, 

'^  Boston,  Nov.  21,  I860. 

"  To  Alhkkt  .1.  \Viu<;iiT,  Solomon  B.  Stebhins,  and 
HoRAC.'E  H.  Coolidge,  Esqrs.,  Officers  of  the  Repub- 
lican Convention  : 

"  Gentlp:men  :  Yours  of  the  16tli  inst.,  giving  me  the 
official  information  of  my  renomination  for  mayor  by  the 
body  which  you  represent,  came  duly  to  hand.  You  will 
do  me  the  justice  to  acknowledge  that  the  position  which 
I  have  held  for  the  last  three  3-ears  was  not  sought  for  by 
myself ;  and  I  can  assure  you  that  I  have  looked  forward 
to  the  close  of  the  present  year  as  the  termination  of  my 
official  connection  with  the  City  Government.  The  office 
is  an  honorable  one.  but  its  responsibilities  are  great.  It 
has  been  my  good  fortune  to  receive  encouragement  and 
aid  from  all  classes  of  my  fellow-citizens,  for  which  I  am 
grateful.  This  has  cheered  me  in  my  laljors ;  and, 
guided  by  the  expression  of  your  feelings,  I  have  with 
some  reluctance  come  to  the  conclusion  to  accept  your 
nomination.  If  it  should  be  ratified  by  the  people,  I  will 
cheerfully  enter  upon  tlie  duties  for  another  year. 

"  Trusting  that  the  confidence  so  generously  extended 
to  me  in  the  past  may  continue  for  the  future,  I  have  the 
honor  to  remain, 

"  ^'ours  very  truly, 

''  F.  W.  Lincoln,  Jr." 

December  12,  from  the  lioston  "Journal": 

"The  triuinpliant  reelection  of  Mayor  Lincoln  is  an  in- 
dorsement of  the  services  of  a  faithful  public  servant,  who 
proposed  this  year  to  retire  from  the  held,  but  yielding  to 


FREDERIC    WALKER    LINCOLN.  141 

the  wishes  of  friends,  consented  to  stand  for  another  term. 
The  popular  vote  has  again  been  in  his  favor,  and  for  a  sev- 
enth term  he  will  act  as  the  chief  magistrate  of  the  city  of 
his  birth.  No  mayor  of  this  city  has  ever  been  so  signally 
honored." 

In  that  month  the  Tunisian  Embassy  visited  Boston, 
and  received  much  attention,  the  Mayor  giving  them  a 
reception  at  his  home.  The  special  object  of  the  ambas- 
sador's visit  at  this  time  was  that  of  condolence  over  the 
loss  of  Abraham  Lincoln  and  congratulations  at  the 
happy  termination  of  the  Rebellion. 

A  newspaper  mentions  the  Mayor's  inaugural  address 
as  follows : 

"Mayor  Lincoln's  inaugural  address  is  a  very  interesting 
'  city  document,'  written  in  so  fresh  a  style  the  reader  does 
not  tire  among  the  admirably  stated  details  of  municipal 
business.  The  Mayor  says  that  the  nuisance  on  Charles 
street  will  be  abated  during  the  year,  and  that  other  nui- 
sances in  the  south  part  of  the  city  have  been  summarily 
removed.  With  regard  to  the  defective  drainage  in  Church 
street  and  its  vicinity,  he  suggests  the  propriety  of  demolish- 
ing the  present  structures  on  that  territory,  and  relaying  the 
land  into  wider  streets.  The  address  contains  many  sugges- 
tions of  an  important  character,  and  every  citizen  and  tax- 
payer should  give  its  statements  a  careful  and  candid  consid- 
eration. 

"  We  may  say  that  the  facts  and  reports  included  in  this 
modest  address  of  Mayor  Lincoln  conclusively  show  that  to 
him,  more  than  to  any  other  ma.u,  Boston  owes  her  present 
prosperity.  A  gentleman  of  liigh  social  position,  line  educa- 
tion, of  remarkable  business  ability,  of  true  public  spirit,  he 
has  commanded  the  respect  of  all  parties  and  is  widely 
known  far  beyond  the  limits  of  Massachusetts.     He  has  been 


142  MEMORIAL     OF 

reelected  again  and  again,  and  we  regret  to  see  that  his 
achlress  annonnces  that  he  lias  accepted  the  mayoralty  for 
the  last  time.  Fortunato  is  the  city  that  has  a  man  so  fit  for 
its  chief  office,  and  citizens  intelligent  enough  to  recognize 
his  superiority." 

Of  the  Mayor's  annual  reception,  we  (]Uote  the  follow- 
ing account : 

"  Mayor  Lincoln  gave  his  annual  reception  last  evening  at 
his  residence  in  Louisburg  square.  The  throng  present  was 
very  large  and  included  representatives  from  the  various 
avocations.  Governor  KuUoek,  Chief-Justice  Bigelow,  ex- 
Governor  Washburne,  ex-Mayor  Wightman,  representatives 
of  the  army  and  navy,  members  of  the  Legislature,  Collector 
Hamlin,  ex-Collector  Croodrich,  most  of  the  members  of  the 
City  Council,  mayors  of  the  adjoining  cities,  and  hosts  of 
others  passed  in  and  out  and  were  warmly  welcomed  by  the 
courteous  host.  The  Mayor  had  been  ill  during  the  day,  but 
liis  strength  on  this  occasion  did  not  fail  him.  Tlie  usual 
collation  was  served  and  appeared  to  be  appreciated." 

Early  in  the  year  1866  Mayor  Lincoln,  with  a  large  part}- 
of  prominent  gentlemen  connected  with  the  City  (Tovern- 
ment,  went  to  IMiiladelphia,  Baltimore,  and  Washington 
to  visit  the  public  schools.  Everywhere  the}'  were  re- 
ceived most  kindly  and  witli  much  attention.  At  the 
Lincoln  School  in  Phila(lel[)liia,  to  his  great  surprise. 
Mayor  Lincoln  was  presented  with  a  l)()U(|uet  and  made 
a  speecli  in  response.  The  same  party  visited  the  White 
House,  where  the  presi(K'nt  receiNcd  tlieni  with  prompt 
and  (lieerrul  hosjjitalit}  ;  he  threw  aside  the  cares  and 
ceremonies  of  ofliee  and  foi'  an  hour  or  more  (hdiglited 
his  guests  by  ids  light  and   pleasant  manner.      "  It  is  said 


FREBEBIC    WALKER    LINCOLN.  148 

that  the  absence  of  all  cereinoii}'  niadc^  this  one  of  tlic 
most  interesting  visits  that  liave  been  paid  to  or  enjoyed 
by  the  President."  The  party  were  absent  from  Boston 
nearly  a  fortnight. 

During  that  year  the  "  Boston  Home  "  was  started  to 
aid  the  poor  and  homeless  and  those  needing  good  influ- 
ences about  them.  Of  this  institution  Mayor  Lincoln 
was  the  president. 

July  4th  was  celebrated  in  much  the  usual  maimer. 
In  reply  to  an  invitation  to  be  present  in  Boston  on  that 
occasion  Maj.-Gen.  W.  T.  Sherman  wrote  to  Mayor 
Lincoln  that  he  desired  very  much  to  do  so,  but  it  was 
impossible,  as  he  had  long  before  promised  to  attend  the 
commencement  exercises  at  Daitmouth,  N.H.,  on  the 
17th  of  July,  the  occasion  of  the  graduation  of  a  class 
embracing  his  nephew,  Henry  Sherman.  He  thought, 
however,  he  might  be  in  Boston  later  in  Jul}'. 

On  July  5th  the  intelligence  of  the  terrible  conflagra- 
tion which  visited  Portland  on  the  Fourth  was  received 
with  feelings  of  the  deepest  interest  and  sympathy  by  the 
people  of  Boston.  It  formed  the  subject  of  conversation 
in  the  streets,  on  'Change,  and  in  all  circles,  and  the 
newspaper  offices  were  thronged  with  those  who  were 
anxious  to  obtain  the  latest  news  from  the  scene  of  the 
disaster.  This  feeling  was  very  much  increased  by  the 
publication  about  noon  of  the  following  despatch  received 
by  Mayor  Lincoln  from  Mayor  Stevens  of  Portland : 
"  Thousands  of  our  people  are  homeless  and  hungry  in 
the  streets.  Can  you  send  us  some  bread  and  cooked 
provisions?"  In  response  to  this  call  Mayor  Lincohi  at 
once  secured  the  services  of  Mr.  J.  P>.  Smith,  the  famous 


144  MEMORIAL     or 

caterer,  aiul  set  him  at  work  to  prepare  a  large  aiiKJunt 
of  provisions  for. the  sufferers. 

''Mayor's  Office,  City  Hall, 

"  Boston,  July  5,  186G. 
"  To  the  Citizens  of  Boston  : 

"  A  despatch  has  been  received  at  this  office  from  the 
mayor  of  Portland,  stating  that  thousands  of  the  inhab- 
itants of  that  city  are  '  homeless  and  hungry.'  He  asks 
of  the  citizens  of  Boston  bread  and  provisions.  Mr. 
William  Merritt,  superintendent  of  the  Boston  & 
Maine  Railroad,  and  Mr.  Jeremiah  Prescott,  superintend- 
ent of  the  Eastern  Railroad,  have  generously  offered  to 
transport,  free  of  expense,  the  donations  of  our  people 
over  their  respective  roads.  An  escort  of  police  will  be 
at  the  respective  depots  this  afternoon  and  evening,  to 
take  charge  of  the  contributions  and  accompany  them  to 
their  destination.  Donations  of  money  will  be  received 
at  this  office,  and  used  for  the  purchase  of  provisions,  or 
sent  to  tlie  mayor  of  Portland. 

'•  F.  W.  Lincoln,  Jr., 

Mayor  Lincoln  sent  immediately,  on  receipt  of  the  tele- 
gram from  the  mayor  of  Portland,  one  hundred  barrels 
of  pilot-bread,  besides  (piantities  of  cheese,  coffee,  tea, 
sugar,  etc.,  in  anticijiatioii  of  donations,  hi  response  to 
the  call,  colli  ribiitioiis  (| iiickly  began  to  be  brought  to  City 
Hall,  and  to  the  ditlcrciiL  police  stations  about  the  city. 
Soon  after  it  was  known  that  the  mayor  would  receive 
contrii)iitioiis    in    inoiicv,    iiian\    of    oui'    merchants    and 


FREDERIC    WALKER    LINCOLN.  145 

others  responded  promptly  and  liberally,  and  in  less  than 
two  hours  the  contributions  had  amounted  to  over  five 
thousand  dollars.  They  continued  to  pour  in,  and  the 
sum  of  two  hundred  and  forty  thousand  dollars  was 
reached  in  a  few  days. 

The  ladies  of  the  city  also  went  to  work  to  collect 
garments,  and  all  useful  articles,  and  every  one,  rich 
and  poor,  seemed  to  give  according  to  his  means.  In 
response  to  a  call  from  Maj^or  Stevens  of  Portland, 
Mayor  Lincoln,  Chief  of  Police  Kurtz,  with  several  ex- 
perienced police  officers,  visited  Portland,  one  object 
being  to  aid  in  the  capture  of  a  gang  of  graceless  scoun- 
drels and  thieves  who  were  preying  upon  the  property 
saved  by  the  unfortunate  citizens.  Mayor  Lincoln  was 
untiring  in  his  efforts  to  aid  the  suffering  city  in  every 
way  possible. 

On  July  19  Mayor  Lincoln  attended  commencement 
at  Dartmouth,  and  at  the  alumni  dinner,  after  the  ad- 
dress of  General  Sherman  to  the  students,  he  was  called 
upon  to  speak.  At  this  time  the  degree  of  A.M.  was 
conferred  vipon  him.  Soon  followed  the  visit  of  General 
Sherman  to  the  city  of  Boston.  He  was  enthusiastically 
received  all  along  the  line ;  at  New  Haven,  Palmer, 
Worcester,  Framingham,  large  crowds  had  assembled  on 
the  arrival  of  his  train.  At  Cottage  Farm,  about  three 
miles  from  Hoston,  were  assembled  Mayor  Lincoln,  a 
committee  of  the  City  Council,  and  the  military  escort 
which  was  to  precede  General  Sherman  and  his  suite  into 
the  city.  Alighting  from  the  cars,  the  party  ascended 
the  steps,  (Jeneral  Sherman  being  in  advance.  He  was 
met  by  Mayor  Lincoln,  who  cordially  received  him  and 


146  ilEMOIilAL     OF 

extended  to  him  a  formal  welcome,  to  which  the  general 
responded  hriefly.  The  procession  was  then  formed  and 
escorted  the  party  through  the  beautiful  streets  of  Brook- 
line,  a  part  of  Roxbury,  and  Boston,  to  the  Revere  House. 
The  crowds  of  people  and  the  enthusiasm  were  very  great 
eveiywhere.  As  the  procession  was  passing  through 
Court  street,  Mr.  Samuel  A.  Hanson,  a  member  of  the 
old  Thirty-tliird  Massachusetts  Regiment,  who  was  with 
Sherman's  army  in  his  memorable  march,  threw  a  very 
handsome  bouquet  into  the  general's  barouche,  at  the 
same  time  remarking,  "  General,  that's  from  one  of  your 
old  boys ;  take  it  and  God  bless  you.'"  The  general  was 
for  a  moment  quite  overcome,  but  recovered  himself  im- 
mediately and  bowed  his  thanks. 

Arrived  at  the  Revere  House,  the  general  was  escorted 
to  his  apartments.  After  the  departure  of  the  carriages 
the  ropes  were  taken  down,  and  the  crowd  made  a  rush 
to  the  private  entrance.  In  a  few  moments  the  crowd 
had  completely  filled  the  square,  and  in  obedience  to  the 
incessant  calls  for  "  Sherman  '*  and  the  long-continued 
and  vociferous  cheering.  Mayor  Lincoln,  accompanied  by 
General  Sherman,  made  his  appearance  on  the  balconj- 
over  the  private  entrance.  The  Mayor  simply  introduced 
the  general  to  the  crowd;  he  made  a  brief  address.  It  is 
needless  to  follow  the  various  entertainments  extended 
to  the  general  during  his  visit.  His  reception  was  in 
every  way  most  cordial,  enthusiastic,  and  gratif^'ing  to 
him,  as  well  as  to  the  citizens  of  Boston.  At  this  time 
was  formed  a  very  warm  lifelong  friendship  between 
General  Sherman  and  Mayor  Lincoln,  and  in  after  years 
they  enjoyed  many  pleasant  experiences  together. 


FREDERIC    WALKER    LINCOLN.  14? 

From  a  letter  to  Mayor  Lincoln  from  General  Sherman 
soon  after  his  visit  we  quote  the  following  passages: 

"  I  avail  myself  of  the  opportunity  to  record  my  sense 
of  the  honor  and  courtesy  bestowed  on  me  by  the  city  of 
Boston.  The  substantial  luxuries  and  facilities  placed 
at  my  disposal  for  m3\self  and  party  will  ever  be  remem- 
bered ;  the  society  towards  which  you  guided  us  was  so 
refined  and  genial  that  it  has  left  a  deep  impression  ;  the 
delicate  manner  in  which  you  conformed  your  arrange- 
ments to  my  prior  engagements  was  exceedingly  gratify- 
ing to  me.  I  am  not  insensible  to  the  good  opinion  of 
men  of  intellect  and  worth,  to  the  simple  '  Well  done '  of 
the  quiet  citizen,  nor  to  the  pardon  conveyed  in  the  tear 
of  some  bereaved  mother  whose  son  fell  under  me,  and 
who  thus  absolves  me  from  blame.  Of  these  tokens  I  re- 
ceived a  large  share  in  the  city  of  Boston,  and  the  memory 
of  them  will  long  be  treasured.  I  believe  I  do  not  mis- 
take your  character  when  I  thus  venture  to  reduce  to 
writing  my  heartfelt  thanks  for  the  many  favors  received 
by  and  through  you,  and  to  ask  you  to  say  a  few  kind 
words  in  my  name  to  the  gentlemen  who  aided  you  in  dis- 
pensing to  me  so  bounteously  the  hospitalities  of  the  great 
city  of  Boston." 

During  the  year  of  1866  Mayor  Lincoln  recommended 
and  used  special  exertions  to  have  a  driveway  made  round 
the  new  Chestnut  Hill  Reservoir,  and  this  was  successfully 
accomplished.  He  also  recommended  a  soldiers'  monu- 
ment on  the  Common,  the  foundations  of  which  were 
laid  in  November  of  that  year.  Free  public  baths  were 
instituted,  and  a  change  in  tlie  manner  of  the  [)olice  ap- 
pointments inaugurated,  — during  good  l)ehavior  instead 


148  MEMORIAL     OF 

of  annual  appointments.  The  corner-stone  of  the  "•  Chil- 
dren's Mission  to  the  Children  of  the  Destitute"  on 
Tremont  street  was  laid  ;  at  the  ceremonies  Mayor  Lincoln 
was  present  and  made  an  address.  He  mentioned  the 
occasion  of  the  inception  of  the  idea  through  which  the 
present  mission  originated.  Seventeen  years  before,  he 
met,  with  a  number  of  others,  in  the  parlor  of  the  house 
of  Mr.  Williams  on  Otis  street,  to  consider  the  matter. 
They  felt  the  necessity  of  such  a  mission  to  the  citizens  of 
Boston,  and  their  hearts  were  warm  in  the  work.  Since 
the  consummation  of  the  enterprise  he  had  been  person- 
ally acquainted  with  its  movements,  and  could  bear  full 
and  ample  testimou}'  to  its  usefulness. 

In  November  the  Rev.  R.  C.  Waterston  gave  a  recep- 
tion at  his  residence,  Chester  square.  It  included  the 
members  of  the  School  Board,  several  aldermen,  the 
maj-or-elect,  and  others.  The  gathering  was  a  compli- 
ment to  the  retiring  Mayor,  who  had  presided  over  the 
School  Board  for  seven  j-ears,  and  with  whom  the  relations 
of  the  members  had  been  of  the  pleasantest  character. 
The  time  was  now  drawing  near  when  Mayor  Lincoln, 
by  his  own  decided  wishes,  would  be  relieved  from  his 
official  duties. 

A  newspaper  says  : 

"  Mayor  Lincoln  retires  in  a  few  days  from  the  official 
position  which  he  has  occupied  for  a  longer  period  than  any 
chief  magistrate  of  our  municipality.  During  his  administra- 
tion the  labors  of  the  office  have  more  than  quadrupled,  and 
especially  during  the  war  the  demands  upon  him  were  varied 
and  incessant.  How  well  he  has  discharged  the  duty  is  a 
matter  of  public  record,  and  our  citizens  will  ever  liold  him 
in  high  esteem.     Peculiarly  adapted  by  teiuperameut  for  the 


FREBERIC    WALKER    LINCOLN.  149 

requirements  of  public  life,  he  also  possesses  ability  and 
talent  to  discharge  the  numerous  calls  made  upon  him  on 
public  occasions,  and  whether  at  home  or  in  other  cities,  he 
has  invariably  represented  the  city  in  a  manner  to  command 
public  approbation.  To  attempt  an  enumeration  of  the  pro- 
jects Avhich  redound  to  the  credit  of  Boston,  which  he  has 
originated  or  aided,  would  occupy  many  columns.  He  has 
been  foremost  in  all  enterprises  which  have  been  sanctioned 
by  enlightened  public  opinion,  and  the  deeds  of  charity  and 
kindness  which  he  has  willingly  performed  endear  him  to 
the  hearts  and  homes  of  thousands.  We  have  had  many 
good  ma3'ors,  many  who  are  justly  respected  for  their  ser- 
vices, but  we  believe  there  is  not  one  who  has  more  dili- 
gently or  more  faithfully  met  the  requirements  of  the  hour 
and  discharged  more  conscientiously  the  duties  of  the  posi- 
tion. He  retires  Avith  the  best  wishes  of  the  public,  and 
retains  to-day  the  friends  who  greeted  his  advent  into  public 
life  in  full  confidence  that  his  career  would  bring  honor  to 
himself  and  reflect  the  highest  credit  upon  Boston." 

From  another : 

"  With  the  present  week  the  City  Government  of  1866  ter- 
minates. On  the  whole  it  has  been  a  remarkably  prudent, 
independent,  and  circumspect  administration.  Junketing 
has  been  at  a  discount,  and  the  uge  of  intoxicating  drinks 
at  its  entertainments  strictly  disallowed.  INIayor  Lincoln 
has  been  an  urbane,  dignified,  conscientious  chief  magistrate 
throughout  his  seven  years'  service,  combining  a  wise  dis- 
cretion with  most  faithful  devotion  to  the  public  interest. 
No  visitor  to  the  city  ever  made  the  acquaintance  of  JNIayor 
Lincoln  without  leaving  more  happily  impressed  with  the 
excellence  of  Boston  people  and  Boston  ways.  Among 
numerous  other  good  qualities,  his  cordial  cooperation  with 
the  State  and  national  authorities  in  all  things  pertaining 
to  the  prosecution  of  the  late  war  deserves  especial  men- 
tion.    In   many  aspects,  we  sliall  probably  not  '  look  upon 


loO  MEMORIAL     OF 

his   like   again."    as   chief   magistrate,    for    many   years    to 
come."' 

Every  newspaper  at  this  time  had  something  compli- 
mentary to  say  of  the  retiring  Mayor  and  his  serWces, 
and  all  seem  to  have  united  in  his  praise.  Now  followed 
his  leave-tiiking  of  the  boards  of  which  he  had  been  the 
official  head. 

In  IsGT  Mr.  Lincoln  succeeded  Mr.  Robert  C.  Winthrop 
as  chairman  of  the  Board  of  Overeeei-s  of  the  Poor.  This 
position  he  held  for  eleven  years,  and  was  treasurer  from 
1878  until  he  passed  away.  The  charities  of  Boston  were 
always  of  deep  interest  to  him,  and  liis  symjDathy  for  the 
poor  brought  many  of  them  alwa3-s  about  him.  While 
li%-ing  in  the  city  it  was  his  custom  to  go  to  liis  home  to 
dine  with  his  family  every  day  at  2.30  P.M.,  walking  to 
and  from  either  his  store  or  the  City  Hall.  There  was 
scarcely  a  day  but  he  found  waiting  for  liiiu  there  some 
poor  or  unfortunate  persons,  to  tell  a  tale  of  woe  to  which 
he  always  kindly  listened  and  helped  in  every  wa}'  that  he 
could,  with  ad^-ice,  sjuipathy,  work,  and,  when  he  thought 
wise,  money.  The  following  years  did  not  bring  idleness  to 
ex-Mayor  Lincoln.  His  energy  and  activities  simply  went 
into  other  channels,  always  for  the  good  of  his  beloved  city. 

In  IsGT  the  Everett  statue  was  erected  on  the  Public 
Garden.  He  was  chairman  of  the  committee.  In  1868 
the  Commercial  Clul)  was  organized,  of  wliich  Mr.  Lincoln 
was  the  first  president  and  to  wliich  he  always  belonged, 
rarely  missing  one  of  the  monthly  meetings,  the  attend- 
ance at  which  he  greatly  enjoyed.  He  was  also,  that  year, 
appointed  on  the  State  Board  of  Harbor  Commissioners, 
serving  for  several  years  as  chairman.     He  still  continued 


FREDERIC    WALKER    LINCOLN.  151 

his  business  on  Commercial  street  and  liis  active  interest 
in  the  Bunker  Hill  Monument  Association,  the  banks, 
and  other  associations  and  institutions. 

In  1870  he  was  appointed  commissioner  of  West  Boston, 
Craigie's,  and  Prison  Point  bridges. 

In  1872,  after  the  great  fire  in  Boston,  Mr.  Lincoln  was 
on  the  Relief  Committee,  and  gave  much  work  and  time 
in  that  connection.  In  1875  he  removed  his  residence 
from  Louisburg  square  to  Mt.  Everett,  Dorchester,  where 
he  continued  to  live  until  his  death.  In  1876  the  statues 
of  Samuel  Adams  by  Miss  Anna  Whitney,  and  John 
Winthrop  by  Richard  S.  Greenough,  were  finished  for 
the  Capitol  at  Washington.  Mr.  Lincoln  having  sug- 
gested them  while  in  the  Legislature  in  1872,  he  was 
appointed  on  the  committee  for  their  erection.  This  en- 
tailed much  time  and  labor.  In  July,  1876,  he  went  to 
Washington  to  receive  and  arrange  for  the  presentation 
of  them,  which  finally  took  place  in  December. 

In  June,  1877,  the  great  fire  took  place  in  St.  John, 
N.B.,  when  five  hundred  acres  of  the  best  part  of  the  city 
were  burned  over.  Fifteen  thousand  people  were  rendered 
homeless  and  destitute.  Boston,  always  ready  to  help  the 
unfortunate,  at  once  took  measures  to  send  aid,  and  Mr. 
Lincoln  was  appointed  chairman  of  the  Relief  Committee. 
To  this  he  gave  much  time  and  energy,  and  in  August 
went  to  St.  John  in  person.  This  was  his  third  visit  to 
St.  John.  The  first  time,  as  Mayor  of  Boston,  he  had 
gone  to  Halifax  to  meet  and  invite  the  Prince  of  Wales 
and  suite  to  Boston,  and  went  with  them  to  St.  John. 
He  was  present  there  the  second  time  when  the  European 
and  Northern  American    Railroad  was  opened,  and  the 


l')2  MEMORIAL    OF 

third  time  to  bear  the  friendly  greetings  and  sympathy  of 
lit»ston,  and  to  hand  over  the  hahmce  of  what  aid  Boston 
had  been  able  to  render.  lie  was  most  cordially  received 
and  entertained. 

In  1879,  the  president  of  the  Bunker  Hill  Monument 
Association  being  confined  to  his  home  by  illness,  Mr. 
Lincoln,  having  been  on  the  standing  committee  for 
some  3^ears  and  one  of  its  vice-presidents,  was  called 
upon  to  give  the  annual  address  on  the  Seventeenth  of 
June.  This  was  the  first  of  many  that  he  delivered  on 
that  patriotic  anniversary,  before  the  members  of  this 
association.  Several  addresses  he  o-ave  before  he  was 
president,  and  eight  while  Jie  held  that  position. 

The  skill,  ardor,  and  facility  witli  which  he  handled  the 
same  subject  year  after  year,  and  the  sympathetic  and 
felicitous  manner  in  which  he  wrote  a  short  memorial  of 
every  member  of  the  Association  who  had  passed  away 
during  those  years,  showed  his  wide  thought,  knowledge 
of  character,  and  literary  ability.  We  quote  from  one  of 
the  addresses  the  following  extract : 

"There  is  no  doubt  that  the  experience  and  example 
of  the  United  States  have  exerted  an  ameliorating  inllu- 
ence  on  many  of  the  governments  of  the  Old  World. 
An  exception  should  be  made,  perhaps,  in  the  case  of 
Great  Britain,  since  the  individual  rights  of  a  citizen  t)r 
subject  of  tliat  kingdom  are  no  doubt  as  sacretl  as  those 
of  our  citizens  in  our  own  land.  In  fact,  many  of  our 
privileges  come  down  to  us  as  heirlooms  from  the  Anglo- 
Saxon  race,  which  in  a  great  measure  si'ttled  this  con- 
tinent. Great  Britain,  however,  is  still  a  monan-liy, 
while   we  are  a  republic. 


FREDERIC    WALKER    LINCOLN.  153 

"Pardon  me  if  I  relate  a  personal  incident.  It  was 
my  fortune  to  be  present  in  1860  at  a  banquet  in  the 
city  of  Halifax,  N.S.,  given  by  the  municipality  on  the 
occasion  of  the  visit  of  the  Prince  of  Wales.  In  response 
to  some  remarks  of  my  own  as  representing  an  American 
city,  a  judge  of  one  of  the  courts  of  the  Province,  a 
gentleman  of  fine  manners  and  eloquent  speech,  referred 
to  the  difference  between  the  forms  of  the  governments 
of  Great  Britain  and  the  United  States,  to  which  an 
allusion  had  been  made.  He  contended  that  the  senti- 
ment of  loj'alty  in  a  country  must  be  embodied  in  a 
personality,  a  reigning  family  not  liable  to  be  disturbed 
by  the  contending  factions  of  a  people  in  the  selection  of 
an  executive  or  ruler.  He  predicted  that  if  a  civil  war 
should  be  inaugurated  in  our  country,  or  a  dissolution  of 
the  Union  attempted,  it  Avould  be  successful,  as  the  ordi- 
nary allegiance  to  a  flag  and  a  written  constitution  would 
not  prove  as  strong  as  that  paid  to  a  reigning  king  or 
queen.  At  that  time,  as  it  is  now,  this  idea  of  loyalty 
was  represented  in  his  own  country  by  a  woman,  amiable 
in  disposition,  beloved  by  her  subjects,  and  respected 
universally  by  other  nations. 

"  The  prediction  was  not  realized.  Within  two  years 
—  hardly,  indeed,  a  twelvemonth  from  that  time  —  our 
Republic  was  called  upon  to  sustain  b\'  arms  the  theory 
of  its  government ;  and  although  the  struggle  was  long 
and  protracted,  the  conflict  was  brought  to  a  triumphant 
close,  preserving  the  integrit}-  of  our  nation.  The  Star 
Spangled  Banner,  with  all  it  represents,  waves  in  the  air 
to-day  over  our  whole  country,  and  the  conquered  as  well 
as  the  conqueror  seek  repose  under  its  sheltering  emblem, 


154  ^fE^[ORIAL   of 

and  will   unitedly  [aoictt  it  if  it  should  l)e  assailed  from 
any  ([uarter. 

"  The  trend  of  events  iji  the  histoiy  of  the  United 
States  has  always  been  hopeful,  when  the  true  signifi- 
eance  of  those  events  has  been  understood.  Obstacles 
have  been  encountered  oidy  to  be  overcome.  Tiiere  liave 
been  wars  and  rumors  of  wars  with  other  nations,  while 
great  questions  of  domestic  policy  have  sometimes 
threatened  to  divide  our  people  ;  but  still  the  Republic 
has  moved  on,  increasing  in  population,  developing  its 
material  and  industrial  resources,  extending  its  commerce 
throughout  the  world,  and  by  the  enactment  of  wise 
laws  securing  more  fully  to  its  citizens  the  rights  which 
l)elong  to  them  as  human  beings.  Our  only  danger  lies 
with  ourselves ;  the  character  ami  intelligence  of  our 
people  must  be  the  i)rincipal  guaranty  that  the  ideas 
upon  whieh  our  government  is  founded  are  safe.  An- 
archical influences  wdiich  come  from  without  must  be 
suppressed,  and  supine  indifference  from  within  should 
be  aroused  to  a  clearer  sense  of  responsibility  as  to  the 
duty  whicli  every  individual  owes  to  the  community  of 
which  he  forms  a  part. 

"  It  is  well  to  look  back,  as  we  have  to-day,  on  a  glori- 
ous record  of  past  history;  but  it  can  be  of  little  avail  to 
rehearse  the  old  story  if  it  does  not  help  us,  not  only 
to  preserve  what  was  established  by  our  fathers,  but  to 
keep  on  in  the  same  line  of  progiess,  and  even  to  strive 
for  better  conditions  and  a  more  noble  future.  Each 
decade  should  make  its  advance  in  civic  virtue  ;  and  the 
whole  world  should  take  notice  that  the  inspiring  motive 
which  founded  our  nation  and  has  kept  it  alive  has  pro- 


FBEDERIC     WALKER    LINCOLN.  156 

ceeded  from  the  repiibliain  principle  upon  wliicli  our 
government  rests  —  the  deliberate  voice  of  an  intelligent 
people,  more  potent  than  the  reign  of  dynasties  or  the 
majesty  of  kings." 

In  1882  Mr.  Lincoln  retired  from  business  to  become 
the  general  manager  of  the  Boston  Storage  Warehouse, 
which  position  he  held  until  his  death. 

From  the  "  Transcript  "  of  1887  we  copy  the  foUowing  : 

"  In  tliese  days,  when  everything  is  conducted  with  a  blaze 
of  publicity,  it  is  pleasant  to  get  hold  of  a  circumstance  of  in- 
terest that  is  kept  under  a  bushel,  as  it  were.  The  27th  day 
of  February  was  the  seventieth  birthday  of  ex-Mayor  Fred- 
eric W.  Lincoln,  and  on  that  occasion  the  people  of  the  Sec- 
ond Church,  of  which  Mr.  Lincoln  has  long  been  an  honored 
parishioner,  got  together  and  presented  hiui  with  a  silver 
'  loving  cup '  and  salver,  accompanied  by  an  affectionate  tes- 
timonial, in  which  Rev.  Edward  A.  Horton  took  a  leading 
part.     Upon  the  loving  cup  was  this  inscription  : 


DEO    ET    ECCLESI/E. 

FREDERIC   W.    LINCOLN. 

FEBRUARY    27,    1817-1887. 

A    LOVING    TESTIMONIAL 

FROM 

A    FEW    OLD    FRIENDS 

TO    LONG,    FAITHFUL,    UNREMITTING,    SELF-SACRIFICING 

LABORS. 

FROM    THE   SECOND    CHURCH    IN    BOSTON. 


"  Modesty  was  joined  with  worth  in  this  case,  for  thougli  a 
written  testimonial  was  presented  to  Mr.  Lincoln,  and  a 
written  answer,  most  feeling  in  its  expression,  was  returned 
by  him,  no  public  notice  whatever  has  been  drawn  to  the  in- 
cident, and  outside  of  the  circle  interested,  perhaps  it  has 
come  to  no  ears  except  the  Listener's." 


156  MEMORIAL    OF 

111  this  sketch,  howi'ver.  \\c  will  let  the  letters  speak 
for  themselves : 

"Pastor's  Study,  Feh.  27,  1887. 

"•Mv  DKAi;  Ml:.  Lincoln  :  'rinough  the  many  yeare  of 
your  life  and  services  in  Boston  nothing  has  been  more 
prominent  than  your  loyalty  to  the  Second  Church,  your 
love  for  its  people,  and  your  labors  for  its  prosperity. 
You  have  served  it  in  a  variety  of  official  duties.  You 
have  been  a  friend  to  those  who  needed  sjnupathy,  and  a 
counsellor  to  those  who  required  guidance.  When  days 
were  dark  you  have  cheered  the  way  to  brighter  times. 
When  discords  arose  you  have  striven  to  bring  in  har- 
mony. 

'•'  Time  has  removed  many  who  shared  the  past  with  you, 
but  there  remain  those  who  appreciate  your  constancy  and 
sacrifices;  they  look  through  all  that,  admirable  as  it  is, 
to  your  character,  your  noble  example,  your  Christian 
spirit. 

"  Accept  this  sinii)le  gift,  a  silver  loving-cup  and  salver, 
as  a  token  of  our  i)ers()nal  regard  and  affection,  on  this 
your  seventieth  birthday. 

"  This  is  a  spontaneous  and  hearty  greeting  to  you  from 
'  a  few  old  friends '  of  the  Second  Church.  May  you 
live  many  years  to  enjoy  friends  and  family  I  May  your 
honorable  and  faithful  career  incite  others  to  do  as  you 
have  done  —  honor  our  city,  prosper  the  church,  adorn 
society  I  In  behalf  of  those  whose  names  are  herewith 
sent. 

"  Sincerely, 

"KnwAi;i)  A.  llt)UTON."' 


FREDERIC    WALKER    LINCOLN.  l')? 

'' Boston,  March  1,  1887. 

"  To  Rev.  Edward  A.  Ilorton  and  Friends  of  the  Second 
Church  : 

"  Please  accept  my  thanks  for  the  beautiful  gift  and  tlie 
touching  note  accompanying  it,  which  were  received  at 
my  home  on  the  anniversary  eve  of  my  seventieth  birth- 
day. 

"  From  no  merit  of  my  own,  but  by  a  singular  felicity  of 
circumstajices,  it  has  been  my  fortune  to  have  been  con- 
nected with  this  ancient  church  from  the  very  period  of 
my  birth,  with  the  exception  of  a  short  time  in  my  early 
boyhood.  One  of  the  first  children  christened  by  the 
sainted  Henry  Ware,  Jr.,  in  the  first  months  of  his  minis- 
try, in  1817,  my  religious  home  and  place  of  public  wor- 
shi^D  has  been  before  its  altar,  and  within  the  walls  which 
have  been  successively  consecrated  to  its  service.  I  early 
felt  it  as  a  sacred  obligation  that  duties  should  correspond 
with  privileges,  and  have  ever  been  willing  to  take  m}^ 
share  in  those  responsibilities  without  which  no  church, 
or  organization  of  any  kind,  can  exist,  or  can  successfully 
accomplish  the  work  for  which  it  was  designed.  Many 
of  my  associates  have  passed  on,  and  have  already  realized 
the  new  experiences  of  another  life.  Their  memories  are 
tenderly  cherished ;  and  I  must  confess  that  I  have  ol)- 
served  with  deep  emotion  on  the  list  furnished  me  the 
names  of  their  representatives,  who  have  united  with 
other  kind  friends  in  this  precious  testimonial  to  my  ser- 
vices. 

"  The  thirty-six  years  that  T  have  been  the  chairman  of 
the  standing  committee,  and  the  treasurer  of  the  corpo- 
ration have  witnessed  many  clianges  in  the  ecclesiastical 


l.'iS  MKMOJUAL     OF 

conditions  of  Boston.  This  movement  has  affected  all 
denominations  of  Christians.  An  urban  population  has 
to  a  certain  extent  become  suburban,  and  the  new  people 
who  have  taken  their  places  have  had  but  little  interest 
and  no  alhliation  with  the  old  and  established  churches. 
Our  own  church  has  changed  its  location  several  times, 
and  equal  changes  have  taken  place  in  the  families  and 
the  great  body  of  the  congregation. 

*•'  If  our  own  organization  had  been  comparatively  a  mod- 
ern church,  designed  for  a  single  generation  of  worship- 
pers, it  might,  when  its  trials  and  reverses  came,  have 
(juietly  gone  out  of  existence,  with  a  consciousness  that 
its  mission  had  been  accomplished,  and  its  work  was  done. 
Not  so  did  those  feel  who  had  charge  of  our  affairs  during 
this  period.  It  was  felt  that  the  Second  Church  was  a 
sacred  trust  providentially  placed  in  our  hands.  It  was  a 
legacy  from  the  fathers,  and  came  down  from  those  wlio 
planted  Boston  in  its  earliest  history. 

"  Its  records,  its  traditions,  its  communion  service  and 
plate,  and  other  ap[)oiiitments,  savored  of  hallowed 
memories. 

"Through  much  tribulation  and  sacritice  we  have  ob- 
tained our  present  condition.  As  the  past  is  secure,  so 
the  future  is  promising.  We  are  a  united  people,  in  sym- 
pathy with  each  other,  and  abounding  in  good  wmks. 

"  I  have  felt  constrained,  my  dear  friends,  from  the  tenor 
of  the  note  addressed  to  me,  to  say  these  few  words. 
Most  of  you  are  still  connected  with  this  venerable 
church.  It  calls  for  your  interest  and  labors.  ItvS  objects 
and  purposes  are  sacred,  the  highest  in  the  world. 

'•  They  are  for  the  benefit  of  ourselves  and  those  nearest 


FREDERIC     WALKER    LINCOLN.  IT)*! 

to  US,  and  for  the  welfare  of  tlie  cominuiiity  m  which  we 
live. 

"Accept  agam  my  thanks  for  the  'Loving  Cup;'  it 
will  be  treasured  for  itself  and  all  it  re})resents.  It 
will  recall  the  renieinbrance  of  '  old  friends,'  and  will 
strengthen  ties  which  I  trust  will  outlive  this  life  into 
that  beyond. 

"  Sincerely  and  affectionately  yours, 

"  Frederic  W.  Lincoln." 

In  March,  1889,  he  was  elected  president  of  the  Revere 
House  Compan}^  of  which  he  was  an  original  incorporator 
and  director  and  always  deeply  interested  in  its  concerns. 
He  retained  the  position  of  president  until  his  death. 

In  Maj^,  1889,  he  was  chosen  a  member  of  the  Loyal 
Legion,  for  meritorious  civil  services,  official  and  unoffi- 
cial, during  the  Kebellion. 

Having  retired  from  the  mayoralty,  Mr.  Lincoln 
never  again  entered  into  politics.  He  did,  however,  keep 
himself  thoroughly  informed  upon  all  subjects  of  impor- 
tance in  his  own  and  other  countries.  He  was  a  constant 
and  careful  reader  of  the  newspapers,  and  seldom  was 
one  able  to  inform  him  of  any  piece  of  public  news  he 
did  not  already  know.  He  never,  however,  read  a  paper 
during  the  meal  hours  with  his  family,  and  in  later  years, 
while  living  in  Dorchester,  lie  would  read  it  on  his  way 
to  his  office  in  tlie  morning,  and  in  the  evening  at  his 
home. 

His  interest  in  all  the  concerns  of  life  never  flashed : 
he  was  ever  active  here  until  he  was  called  to  hear  the 
"Well  done"  be3'ond.     No  woi-ds  can  express  what  his 


1(JU  MKMOniAl.    or 

life  and  S3'mpathy  have  done  for  those  who  quietly 
sougfht  his  counsel. 

Of  trials  and  disappointments  he  had  his  full  share, 
hut  he  bore  them  patiently  and  nobly,  tr3ing  always  that 
they  should  not  affect  the  happiness  of  others,  and  con- 
sequently we  shall  not  dwell  upon  them  here. 

On  Sept.  13,  1898,  after  an  illness  of  a  few  days,  the 
faithful  husband,  loving  father,  and  devoted  citizen  passed 
from  our  mortal  sight.  His  home  life  was  one  of  peace 
and  love,  and  his  influence  and  memoiy  have  left  for  his 
wife  and  childi-en  a  blessed  benediction. 

"  I  cannot  say,  and  I  will  not  say 
That  he  is  dead  —  he  is  just  away  ! 

With  a  cheer}-  smile  and  a  wave  of  the  hand 
He  has  wandered  iiit<»  an  unknown  land. 

And  left  us  dreaming  how  very  fair 
It  needs  must  be  since  he  lingers  there. 

And  you — oh  you,  who  the  wildest  yearn 
For  the  old-time  step  and  the  glad  return  — 

Think  of  him  faring  on,  as  dear 

In  the  love  of  There  as  the  love  of  Here  ; 


Think  of  him  still  as  the  same,  I  say; 
lie  is  not  dead,  he  is  just  away  I  '" 


ACTION   OF   CITY   GOVERNMENT. 


ACTION    OF   CITY  GOVERNMENT. 


The  following  account  is  taken  from  tlie  Boston 
"Herald"  of  September  15,  1898: 

"  The  two  branches  of  the  City  Council  were  in  special 
session  this  noon,  at  the  request  of  the  mayor,  to  take  action 
on  the  death  of  the  late  ex-Mayor  Fredekic  W.  Lixcolx. 

"  The  Board  of  Aldermen  met  first,  and  received  the  fol- 
lowing message  from  the  mayor : 

"  '  It  becomes  my  duty  to  announce  to  _vou  tlie  deatli  of  tlic 
Hon.  Frederic  W.  Lincoln,  an  ex-may(n'  of  this  city,  at  tlie 
advanced  age  of  SI  years.  Appropriate  action  will  doubtless 
be  taken  by  your  bodies  to  express  yoiu-  sense  of  the  loss 
sustained  by  the  death  of  a  man  whose  public  services  to  the 
city,  as  chief  magistrate  and  in  other  capacities,  and  whose 
private  character  fully  justified  the  respect  in  which  he  had 
been  long  held  by  his  fellow-citizens. 

•' '  Besides  four  years'  service  in  the  State  Legislature,  as  a 
member  of  the  constitutional  convention  of  18").'),  and  as 
chairman  of  the  State  Board  of  Harbor  Connnissioners,  ]\[r. 
Lincoln  held  the  office  of  mayor  of  Boston  for  a  longer  period 
than  any  other  incumbent,  having  served  for  three  years, 
from  l<sr)S  to  iSfiOj  inclusive,  and  again  for  lour  years,  from 
1863  to  1<S()(),  inclusive. 

"  '  No  citizen  of  Boston  has  enjoyed  a  higher  honoi'  than 
that  of  being  a  second  time  called  to  serve  as  the  head  of  the 
city  to  meet  the  various  problems  and  difficulties  willi  wliicli 
the  city  was  confronted  during  the  Civil  War. 

'•'To  Mr.   Lincoln  must  be  accoi'dcd  the  great  credit  of  tirsi 

163 


Iti4  MKMOlilAL    OF 

securing  (hiriii<,'  liis  tmiu  of  office  tlie  co()iteriitioii  of  tlie 
United  States  authorities  in  the  jireservation  and  improve- 
ment of  Boston  harbor,  and  lie  en  joyed  the  satisfaction  of 
livinij  to  see  the  work  wliich  lu^  liad  initiated  attain  j,'reatl_v 
exteniUnl  witliin  the  hist  few  years,  and  of  witnessinj^  the 
enormous  growtli  of  tlie  coninierce  entering  and  leaving  the 
harbor  which  he  liad  the  foresight  to  anticipate. 

"'  Mr.  Lincoln  was  still  in  the  official  service  oi'  the  city  at 
the  time  of  his  death,  having  served  since  187")  as  the 
treasurer  of  the  Hoard  of  Overseers  of  the  Poor,  of  which 
hoard  he  had  been  tlie  chairman  for  the  11  years  j)receding. 

"'The  long  and  useful  career  of  .Mr.  Lincoln  may  well  serve 
as  an  e.xample  and  ius])iration  to  all  who  arc  engaged  at  the 
})resent  time  in  the  servic(>  of  the  city." 

"The  following  resolutions  were  offered  by  .\lderman 
(!n.viiij:s  : 

"  '  l,'fsi)l luil.  That  the  ( 'itv  ( 'ouncil  learns  with  deej)  regret 
of  the  death,  at  the  ripe  age  of  SI  years,  of  the  Hon. 
Frederic  W.  I.,incoln,  mayor  of  the  city  from  lsr)S  to  1SC)(>. 
inclusive,  and  from  iSd.'Mo  iSfW;.  inclusive.  The  uni>rece- 
dented  length  of  service  which  the  citizens  of  Uoston  ac- 
corded to  Mr.  Lincoln  as  their  chief  magistrate  is  a  sufficient 
testimony  to  his  ability  an<l  conscientiousness  as  a  public 
servant,  and  his  sterling  worth  and  unassuming  modesty  of 
character  were  known  to  all.  The  <'itv  Council  gratefidly 
recognizes  the  long  and  varied  services  rendered  to  the  city 
and  to  the  })ublic,  in  many  capacities,  by  iMr.  Lincoln,  and 
appreciates  the  fact  that  this  service  continued  even  \\\>  to 
llic    time   of   his   death. 

'*  ^  Jirsn/ !•<'(/,  That  a  co[)y  of  these  resolutions  be  forwarded 
to  the  family  of  Mr.  Lincoln,  and  that  a  committee  of  four 
members  of  the  I'xiard  of  Ahlcrmcn.  wit  h  such  as  the  Com- 
mon Council  may  .i<'iii.  be  apiMiinlcd  lo  reprcseul  the  city  at 
his  funeral.' 


FREDERIC     WALKER    LINCOLy.  K'..") 

"  In  presenting  the  resolutions,  Alderman  ( 'liarles  spoke 
briefly,  i)aying  a  tribute  to  the  memory  of  ex-Mayor  Lincoln. 
Few  men  of  Boston,  he  said,  ever  rose  to  tlie  distinction  of 
^Ir.  Lincoln.  He  was  a  man  of  great  activity  and  force  of 
character,  and  strove  to  make  the  city  one  of  the  leaders  in 
commercial  activity. 

"  Alderman  Uerwin  said  :  •  We  are  assembled  to-day,  drawn 
hither  in  sympath}"  and  lu\iiig  remembrance,  to  do  honor  to 
the  memory  of  Frederic  W.  Lincoln.  The  life-success  of 
the  man  is  indicative  of  the  sterling  (pialities  which  he  pos- 
sessed. ]\[ayor  during  the  turbulent  period  of  our  Civil  War, 
his  judgment  and  rational  conservatism  guided  the  miuiici})al 
ship  safe  to  the  end.  With  deep  appreciation  and  regard  we 
remember  his  services  to  his  party,  his  loyalty  to  his  cause, 
but  above  all  his  devotion  to  the  interests  of  his  fellow-men, 
and  though  he  is  taken  from  us,  and  we  miss  his  genial  face, 
our  remembrances  have  followed  him." 

"  Aldermen  Lott,  Conry,  Presho,  and  (_)"Toole  were  appointed 
a  committee  to  attend  the  funeral. 

"  It  was  voted  that  City  Hall  be  closed  dm'iug  the  funeral. 
and  that  the  city's  flags  be  placed  at  half-mast. 

"  The  Common  Council  met  upon  adjournment  of  the  Board 
and  unanimously  concurred  in  the  passage  of  the  resolutions 
and  in  the  orders  to  close  City  Hall  during  the  funeral,  and 
that  the  flags  be  displayed  at  half-mast  over  the  city  build- 
ings. 

"  ]\Ir.  Norris  of  Ward  1.')  s})oke  in  eulogy  of  the  ex-nuiyor. 

"  The  following  councihnen  were  joined  to  the  aldermanic 
committee  to  attend  the  funeral :  Edward  H.  Madden  of 
AVardo;  C.  C.  Millar,  Ward  1;  William  II.  Cuddy.  Ward 
8  ;  Samuel  Kasanof,  Ward  'J  ;  and  Louis  T.  llowanl,  Ward 
20." 


BURIAL  SERVICE. 


BURIAL   SERVICE. 


On  September  1(5,  after  a  private  service  at  the  home 
ill  Dorchester,  conducted  by  Rev.  Edward  A.  Horton, 
a  service  was  held  in  the  Second  Church  in  Boston. 

ORDER   OF   SERVICES. 

PROCESSIONAL  .  .     Burial  Liturgy  read  by  Rev.  Thomas  Van  Ness. 

INVOCATION Rev.  Edward  A.  Horton. 

SCRIPTURAL    SELECTIONS         ....      Rev.  Thomas  Van  Ness. 

RESPONSE Choir. 

SINGING    BY    CHOIR  .  .     "  With  Thee  I  Seek  Protecting  Powers." 

(Mr.    Lincoln's   Favorite   Hymn.) 

REMARKS Rev.  Thomas  Van  Ness. 

REMARKS Rev.  Edward  A.  Horton. 

RESPONSE:    CHOIR ■•  0  Paradise  !  " 

BENEDICTION Rev.  Edward  A.  Horton. 

At  the  Organ —  Hiram   G.  Tucker. 

At  the  conclusion  of  the  service  the  bugler  of  the 
Loyal  Legion  played  the  beautiful  and  impressive  requiem 
"  The  Lost  Chord." 

IGt) 


170  MKMOUIM.     OF 

The  Boston  ••  .Itiiuiial  ""  i^ive.s  tin-  following  aci-ount  : 

••Tlic  hmial  ol  Hon.  l"'i;i;ni:iMc  \\ai.ki:i;  Li.\((>i.n.  seven 
times  elected  mayor  of  IJoston,  and  who  had.  all  his  lon^ 
life,  oceui)ied  positions  of  trnst  and  responsibility  in  the 
city,  took  place  yesterday  afternoon.  There  were  fnneral 
services  in  the  Second  (,'hnrch,  Copley  S(]uare.  which  were 
lar>jely  attended,  and  of  a  singularly  beautiful  and  appro- 
priate character. 

••  .Vniong  those  present  were  ex-Mayor  Sanniel  A.  Green, 
ex-.Mayor  Frederick  ().  Trince,  ex-Mayor  Thomas  N.  Hart, 
Mayor  Qnincy.  1\.  H.  Dwight,  D.  H.  Lane,  C.  Noyes  AVhit- 
cond),  Charles  E.  Lanriat,  A.  W.  Dock,  Gen.  W.  AV.  Black- 
mar,  C.  I>.  Southard,  Freeman  J.  Doe,  Jerome  Jones,  Ben- 
jamin F.  Stevens,  Col.  Arnold  A.  Rand,  representing  the  Vet- 
eran Apprentices'  Association,  of  which  ^fr.  Lincoln  has  been 
president,  Tresident  Choate,  of  the  Old  Colony  Railroad, 
('apt.  Nathan  Appleton.  Newton  Talbot,  I'hineas  Pierce, 
James  Lonj,dey,  A.  K.  Tildeu.  ^1.  I*.  Kennard.  John  M.  Clark. 
E.  H.  Sampson,  City  Treasurer  Turner,  John  T.  lUadlee,  Col. 
John  C.  Whiton,  ex-Alderman  Clinton  Viles,  William  H.  Liu- 
coln,  .Vldermen  K.  W.  I'resho,  Frank  J.  O'Toole.  Councilmen 
Cuddy.  Miller,  and  Kasanof,  and  ex-.Vlderman  David  F. 
liarry. 

••  Facli  of  the  [lall-bearers  representeil  some  institution  or 
organization  with  which  ex-Mayor  Lincoln  had  been  affili- 
ated, as  follows:  Franklin  Savings  Hank,  by  Augustus  Tarker. 
\'ice-I*resident ;  Boston  Safe  Deposit  and  Trust  Company, 
by  W.  Iv  IMitnam.  President:  Arassachusetts  Charitable 
.Mcclianic  .Vssociatiou.  In  ("ol.  Horai-e  T.  Rockwell.  Presi- 
dent; BiMiker  Hill  Mnimnient  Association,  by  Hon.  Wins- 
low  Warren,  President;  Commercial  Club,  Hon.  Charles 
11.  .Vllen;  Boston  Storage  Warehouse  ('om])any.  N.  .1.  Rust, 
ex-Mayor  Thomas  >.'.  Hart;  Second  ('lunch  in  r.ostou.  Hon. 
Stephen    M.  Crosby.      The  usiiers    were   Col.    11.   L.   Hovey, 


FliEDEinc     WAl.KEl:     l.lMOl.S.  171 

E.  A  Lord.  l)i-.  I'niiK-is  H.  IJi-owii.  and  Col.  William  .M. 
Bunting. 

•'  There  was  a  niagniticent  display  of  flowers,  arranged  in 
unique  and  splendid  designs.  It  covered  the  entire  front  of 
the  chancel.  The  tributes  came  from  organizations,  private 
and  public,  and  from  individuals.  Koses,  i)inks,  dahlias, 
chrysanthemums,  ferns,  immortelles,  all  combined  to  give 
fragrance  and  color  to  the  scene. 

"  Rev.  Thomas  Van  Ness,  minister  of  the  church,  assisted 
by  Kev.  E.  A.  Horton,  a  former  minister,  conducted  the  ser- 
vices. Both  spoke  eloquently  and  feelingly  of  the  deceased, 
for  they  both  had  known  him  intimately. 

"  The  music  was  impressive.  Choi)in's  funeral  march, 
played  by  Mr.  Tucker,  the  organist  of  the  church,  was  the 
selection  as  the  body  was  borne  up  the  main  aisle,  and  liev. 
Mr.  Van  Xess  repeated  the  ritual  for  the  dead. 

••  Prayer  was  offered  by  Rev.  Mr.  Horton,  and  Kev.  Mr.  \'au 
Xess  read  selections  of  Scripture.  Then  the  choir  sang 
'  With  Thee  I  Seek  Protecting  Powers,"  and  later,  after 
both  eulogies  had  been  delivered,  '  ( )  Paradise  I  * 

"  Rev.  Mr.  Van  Xess  spoke  as  a  personal  friend  of  the 
deceased.     In  his  eulogy  he  said : 

'• '  I  must  tell  you  of  a  friend,  kindlj^,  cheerful,  patient,  aiul 
courteous.  AVell  do  I  remember,  now  almost  six  years  ago, 
when  I  came  a  stranger  from  the  other  side  of  the  niomitains. 
of  the  kindly,  fatherly  way  in  which  he  received  nie.  No 
matter  how  busy  he  was,  I  always  felt  sure  of  a  welcouic. 

"  '  I  must  testify  to  the  position  of  him  who  stood  at  the 
head  of  this  church.  An  organization  as  old  as  this,  some 
two  hundred  and  hfty  years  old,  must  have  had  its  vicissitudes 
and  its  dark  days,  and  this  church  had  them.  But  through 
them  all,  although  harassed  by  public  cares,  his  thought  and 
attention  were  here.  As  sui)erintendent  of  the  Sunday- 
School  and  as  treasurer,  he  stood  nobly  by ;  and  it  is  not  too 
nuudi  to  say,  even  to-day,  when  he  is  lying  here,  that  the  con- 


ITli  MEMOUIAL     OF 

timiuiK-e  of  this  clniirh  ilepeiidt'd  on  one  man.  As  he  sat 
lien*  in  his  })hi('e,  in  the  centre,  every  Sundav,  and  as  he  per- 
formed the  duties  of  liis  positions  among  \is,  how  he  shamed 
our  weaker  natures  I  How  he  came  here  to  i)reach  to  me 
ev«MV  Sunday,  not  I  to  him,  in  his  silent,  noble  way  ! 

•••.Mr.  Lincoln's  interest  went  far  beyond  this.  ^Vll(J  can 
i,'ive  the  record  of  it  all?  You  have  lived  here  long  enough 
to  kiu>w  of  his  work  for  the  improvement  of  Uoston  harbor. 
Vou  who  have  the  thought  of  our  young  in  mind  know  what 
he  (lid  for  education  and  for  the  Institute  of  Technolcjgy. 
\'ou  who  are  interested  in  finance  know  him  as  a  director  of 
this  and  that  bank,  as  interested  in  this  and  that  savings  in- 
stitution. And  beyond  all  this  you  know  of  his  interest  in 
those  Avho  had  no  voice  - —  those  who  had  heart-needs,  but 
could  only  cry  out ;  as  overseer  of  the  poor,  what  did  he  not 
do  for  them?  And  I  believe  that  to-day  he  is  hearing  the 
glad,  grand  message,  '•  Inasmuch  as  ye  did  it  unto  one  of  these, 
ye  did  it  also  unto  me.''  His  three  score  and  more  years  he 
lived  not  only  in  years,  but  also  in  accomplishment.  Such  a 
passing  away  as  his  reconciles  us  almost  to  death  ;  not  as  an 
enemy,  but  as  a  friend.  Let  there  be  no  minor  note,  no 
tears,  no  sorrow,  no  mourufulness  I  As  ripened  fruit  is 
touched  by  the  kindly  wind,  so  he,  touched  by  the  kindly 
hand  of  death,  has  only  gone  before  us." 

"  Kev.  Mr.  llortonsaid  he  had  known  Mr.  Lincoln  for  eigh- 
teen years,  and  had  long  admired  his  many  noble  qualities  — 

" '  Frederic  W.  Ijincoln  was  a  man  of  symmetry.  AVe  say 
of  some  men  that  they  stand  square  to  all  the  world.  Such 
a  man  was  our  friend  who  has  gone.  Certain  st)urces  of  this 
ni«bl(»  type  of  character  easily  present  themselves  to  us. 

"  •  Sincerity  was  the  very  foundation  of  his  character.  \\n\ 
felt,  after  you  had  known  him  for  a  little  time,  that  he  illus- 
trated rclial>ilit.y.  To  see  his  name  attached  to  anything  was 
to  mark  that  thing  as  being  as  good  as  gold. 

"  '  Allied  with  those  (puilities  was  a  symjiathy  which  sought 


FREDERIC     WALKER    LINCOLN.  ITo 

out  the  cause  of  a  thing  when  ho  knew  it  not.  ••  Libert}-  *'  is 
a  great  word.  It  means  a  great  deal.  But  there  is  something 
greater  than  liberty,  and  tluit  is  sympathy. 

"  '  He  often  obliterated  himself  tliat  others  miglit  ixM-iorm 
duties  that  might  help  them  in  life.  His  services  made  lios- 
ton  a  liner  and  nobler  city,  and  indirectly  affected  the  State 
and  the  whole  United  States.  He  had  another  trait  —  sa- 
gacity—  that  permitted  liim  to  take  a  kindly  an<l  judicious 
outlook  upon  many  rpicstions." 

"  The  speaker  alluded  to  Mr.  Lincoln's  interest,  to  the  day 
of  his  death,  in  the  Charitable  Mechanic  Association,  the 
Loyal  Legion,  and  other  organizations.  His  gentleness, 
amiability,  and  lirmness  had  endeared  him  to  all  his  fellow- 
members.  He  loved  the  Second  ('hurcli.  and  did  inudi  for 
it. 

•■At  the  close  of  the  service  the  bugler  of  the  Loyal  Legion 
played  the  'The  Lost  Chord,"  and  as  the  body  was  taken 
from  the  church  the  organist  played  l>eethoven's  funeral 
march. 

'•The  burial  was  at  Mt.  .Vul)urn  Cemetery,  and  was  i>rivate." 


MEMORIAL   SERVICE    IN    THE   SECOND   CHURCH 


ADDRESS     DELIVERED 

BY 

REV.   THOMAS   VAN    NESS, 

NOVEMBER  6,   1898. 


FBEDElilC    WALKER    LISCOLN. 


ADDRESS. 


To    ALL    THAT    BE    IN    H():\IE,    BELOVED    OF    GoD,    CALLED    TO 

BE  Saints.  —  Rom.  i.  7. 

You  are  all  more  or  less  acquainted  with  the  histor}-  of 
the  Pantheon  at  Rome. 

Originally  it  was  a  heathen  temple,  and  as  its  name 
indicates,  it  was  dedicated  to  all  the  gods.  There  within 
its  vast  rotunda  could  be  seen  their  sculptured  images, 
and  so  elastic  and  tolerant  in  sentiment  were  the  authori- 
ties at  the  time  of  Augustus  that  the  statues  of  even 
Eg3-ptian,  Sj-rian,  and  Babylonian  gods  found  equal  favor 
with  those  of  Rome. 

Sometime  in  the  seventh  century  Pope  Boniface  reded- 
icated  this  ancient  religious  building  to  the  \'irgin  and  all 
the  martyrs,  /.e.,  to  all  the  hallowed  or  holy  ones  of  the 
cliurch.  The  date  of  the  dedication  (November  1st) 
was  marked  as  a  special  anniversary  upon  which  the 
faithful  throughout  the  world  should  bring  to  mind  and 
give  honor  to  all  the  saints  of  the  Roman  Catholic 
Church. 

When  Paul  wrote  to  the  Romans,  he  surely  did  not 
have  in  mind  this  comparatively  modern  holy  day  in 
November.  What,  then,  was  in  Ids  mind  when  he  said, 
"  To  all  that  be  in  Jvome,  called  to  be  saints  "? 

In  what  sense  was  he  usin<r  the  woid  "saint"? 


178  MEMORIAL     OF 

In  the  sense  in  which  it  is  used  universally  in  the 
Bible. 

If  you  will  read  the  account  of  the  titting  up  of  the 
ancient  Tabernacle  you  will  see  that  the  various  articles 
of  furnishing,  such  as  the  candlesticks,  the  tongs,  the 
snuffei-s.  the  altar,  were  each  spoken  of  as  V)eing  salsted, 
i.e.,  consecrated  to  some  peculiar  purpose.  The  temple 
was  sainted  or  consecrated ;  days  were  sainted ;  materials 
were  sainted ;  men  were  sainted.  "  Called  to  be  saints  " 
was  called  to  be  set  apart  for  some  special  thing ;  it  was 
a  call  to  separate  one's  self  from  the  common  mass  of  men 
who  have  no  purposes,  no  ideals,  no  high  aims,  and  be 
joined  with  those  who  are  living  for  something,  who  have 
high  aims,  noble  purposes,  inspiring  ideals. 

In  this  sense  we  are  all  called  upon  to  be  saints.  In 
this  sense  every  man  who  has  a  purpose,  an  incentive 
toward  the  highest  and  best, — who  is  struggling  upward 
attempting  to  separate?  himself  from  animality  and  t»» 
join  himself  to  angelhood,  — is  a  saint.  In  this  sense,  the 
historic  sense,  the  true  sense,  can  we  speak  of  him  who 
has  crone  from  us  as  a  saint,  for  his  life  was  consecrated 
to  noble  ideals,  to  a  special  service,  to  the  good  of  others. 
When  we  first  take  up  to  study  carefully  and  in  detail 
the  life  of  Frederic  Walker  Lincoln  we  are  surprised, 
almost  bewildered,  with  the  numerous  positions  he  held 
and  the  multifarious  civic  duties  he  assumed.  It  seems 
as  though  we  are  reading  the  compressed  biographies  of  a 
half-tlozen  men  rather  than  that  of  a  single  individual. 

Only  to  mention  the  more  important  ollices  he  occu- 
pied will  give  you  an  idea  of  his  indefatigable  industry 
and  his  st^^rling  integrity  as  no  words  of  mine  can  du. 


FBEDERIC    WALKER    LINCOLN.  179 

To  begin  with,  he  was,  for  a  greater  or  less  length  of 
time,  at  the  head  of  the  following  societies,  clubs,  banks, 
and  })ublic  organizations  as  president  or  chairnum : 
Boston  Safe  Deposit  Co.,  Franklin  Savings  Fund,  Com- 
mercial Club,  Massachusetts  Charitable  Mechanic  Associa- 
tion, Massachusetts  Fire  Societ}-,  Massachusetts  Soldiers' 
Relief  Fund,  Bunker  Hill  Monument  Association,  John 
Winthrop  Fund,  Y.M.C.  Union,  Overseers  of  the  Poor, 
Harbor  Commissioners,  Second  Church. 

He  was  the  chief  promoter  and  chairman  of  tlie 
organizations  which  gave  this  city  from  time  to  time  the 
following  statues :  Benjamin  Franklin,  Edward  Everett, 
Governor  Andrew,  Charles  Sumner,  and  Samuel  Adams. 

Indeed,  without  his  personal  efforts  it  is  doubtful 
whether  any  one  of  these  statues  would  adorn  to-day  the 
streets  and  squares  of  our  city. 

The  appreciation  in  which  he  was  held  is  shown  on  the 
literary  side  by  the  honorary  degrees  conferred  upon  him 
by  Harvard  and  Dartmouth,  and  the  fellowship  of  the 
American  Academy  of  Arts  and  Sciences;  and  on  the 
political  side  by  his  having  held  the  office  of  mayor  of 
Boston  for  a  greater  number  of  years  than  any  other  in- 
cumbent, and  his  election  to  the  State  Legislature  for  four 
different  times,  as  well  as  to  the  Constitutional  Conven- 
tion of  1858. 

What  these  things  mean,  each  in  his  resj)ective  sphere 
knows.  One  man  bef(n'e  me  appreciates  tlic  amount  of 
financial  ability  and  tact  it  takes  to  secure  the  position  of 
president  of  a  bank  ;  another  knows  what  it  means  in  these 
days  of  social  struggle  and  competition  to  be  elected  to 
the  head  of  an  inlhiential    commercial    club;    a  third  is 


ISO  MEMORIAL     OF 

aware  of  the  length  of  time  one  must  wait  before  he  is 
conspicuously  recognized  by  a  great  educational  institu- 
tion, and  how  few  men  ever  have  bestowed  upon  them  an 
lionorary  degree  by  Harvard :  a  fourth  knows,  even  from 
our  feeble  attempts  here  to  raise  money  for  an  Emerson 
memorial,  how  difficult  it  is  to  secure  funds  for  public 
statues ;  a  fifth  recognizes  the  fact  that  while  now  and 
again  an  unworthy  or  even  a  worthy  citizen  may  get  the 
popular  vote  for  mayor,  yet  it  takes  an  extraordinary"  man 
to  secure  the  position  and  hold  it  for  a  couple  of  terms, 
and  afterwards,  in  the  face  of  great  patriotic  and  political 
passion,  to  again  obtain  it  and  retain  it  for  four  consecu- 
tive terms. 

These  things,  I  rejjcat,  speak  for  themselves.  I  can- 
not add  to  their  significance  by  any  additional  emphasis. 
Each  in  his  own  place,  who  hopes  some  da}-  to  attain  to 
one  or  the  other  of  these  positions,  or  positions  like  them, 
recognizes  the  energy,  the  industry,  the  ability  recpiired 
to  obtain  them,  and  therefore  each  can  readily  bestow 
homage  on  that  man  whose  alnlity  and  worth  made  him 
so  eminently  fit  for  the  ofhces  which  were  so  often  oliered 
to  him. 

It  is,  therefore,  in  no  perfunctory  spirit  that  we  come 
tojjether  this  mornino-  to  hold  in  this  historic  church  a 
service  to  his  memory. 

Simply  because  he  was  at  the  heatl  of  this  church  for 
so  many  years  entitles  him  to  no  such  public  recognition 
as  we  now  bestow.  No,  if  that  were  all,  othei"s,  with 
equal  right,  might  have  their  praises  sfjoken  ;  but  that  is  not 
all,  as  yon  can  well  [)erceive  from  what  I  iiave  said  already. 
We  do  not  simjily  honor  the  chnreh  member,   for  othei's 


FREDERIC     WALKER    LINCOLN.  181 

have  been  equally  good  church  members.  We  do  not 
honor  the  lionest  treasurer,  for  other  treasurers  have  been 
also  honest.  We  do  not  make  conspicuous  the  faithful 
civic  official,  for  —  God  be  thanked  !  —  there  are  many 
more  officials  of  uprightness  and  integrity. 

What,  then,  do  we  do  ? 

We  honor  all  these  combined  in  one,  and  when  we  look 
for  some  single  title,  some  designation,  or  name,  which 
shall  include  them  all,  we  find  it  in  that  most  noble  yet 
too  often  debased  term  "  citizen.'''' 

If,  then,  I  should  want  to  [)ointthe  youth  to-day  to  some 
high  type  of  citizenship ;  if  in  my  all-soul s'-day  list  of 
saints,  heroes,  philanthropists,  statesman,  and  patriots  I 
should  want  to  name  one  who  distinctively  exemplilied  in 
these  days  what  C'incinnatus  did  in  the  old  days  of  Rome, 
one  who  loved  his  city  better  than  land  or  gold,  or  son  or 
wife,  or  limb  or  life,  I  should  mention  Fkederic 
Walker  Liiscoln. 

Let  us  for  a  while  spend  our  time  in  trying  to  get  at 
the  secret  of  this  life,  noting  how  it  was  built  up,  i.e., 
what  influences  were  at  work  upon  it,  — -  what  the  home, 
the  occupation,  the  environment  which  produced  just  this 
admirable  type  of  the  liostonian. 

We  need  not  fear  difficulties  in  our  investigation. 
There  will  be  no  shady  lanes,  no  sinuous  by-paths,  no 
eul-de-sacs.  No.  Perhaps  nowhere  can  a  life  be  found 
that  ojjens  out  more  regularly,  more  sim[)ly,  more  openly. 
Our  friend  lived  in  the  broad  daylight.  Never  was  there 
anything  to  conceal,  to  excuse,  or  to  explain  in  his  actions. 
We  shall  therefore  need  to  use  no  nice  balance  between 
the  good  and  the  bad,  nor  shall  we  encounter  any  ujjsand 


182  MEMORIAL     OF 

downs.  Ill  all  that  long  series  of  years  there  is  nothing 
that  might  be  called  startling  or  dramatic;  nothing  to 
excite  gossip  or  to  cause  a  whisper  in  an  aside. 

I  know  of  no  life  easier  to  follow  in  its  evenness; 
consequently  it  can  be  just  as  well  understood  if  examined 
at  tiiirty  as  at  fifty  or  at  seventy. 

The  first  thing  which  impresses  us  is  the  truth  of 
Oliver  Wendell  Holmes'  dictum,  that  if  you  want  to 
secure  a  good  man  you  must  start  with  his  education 
one  hnn<lred  years  before  he  is  born.  Blood  tells,  (quality 
counts.  We  all  know  this,  tliough  sometimes  we  seek  to 
ipfuore  it. 

In  looking  back  over  the  ancestry  of  Fiederic  Walker 
Lincoln,  in  observing  those  eighteenth-century  genera- 
tions, men  like  Amos  Lincoln,  lieroic  old  IJevolutionist  of 
"•Tea  Party"  fame,  Paul  Revere,  mechanic  and  patriot  of 
'76,  and  sucli  women  as  Mary  Knight,  we  can  safely  pre- 
dict what  the  outcome  is  to  be.  The  child  born  on  Feb. 
27,  1817,  is  going  to  have  right  tendencies.  The  natural 
l)ias  of  heart  and  mind  will  be  towards  purity,  patriotism, 
integrity,  and  reverence  —  towards  those  virtues  which 
have  preeminently  distinguished  the  New  Englander  at  his 
best. 

President  G.  Stanle}^  Hall  and  other  modern  psychol- 
ogists are  insisting  on  the  need  of  manual  as  Avell  as 
mental  education.  The  whole  human  system,  so  it  is 
asserted,  cannot  be  systematically  developed,  nor  can  all 
the  powers  of  the  brain  be  fully  awakened  without  labor. 
Work  for  the  hand,  for  the  foot,  for  the  eye  is  as  essential 
as  for  the  mind. 

Not  because    of   this  theory,    I    su[)pose,  but  because 


FREDERIC     WALKER    LINCOLN.  183 

necessity  made  it  imperative,  young  Frederic  at  thirteen 
years  of  age  was  taken  from  scliool  and  apprenticed  to  a 
manufacturer  of  mathematical  instruments.  Here  nicety 
and  exactness  were  the  first  requisites.  One,  by  a  hit  and 
miss  method,  can  make  some  things  fairly  well.  Not  so 
with  mathematical  instruments.  There  is  no  luck  nor 
chance  about  their  production.  Every  small  part  must  be 
made  by  rule  and  in  order. 

Just  at  this  very  time,  this  somewhat  critical  time  in 
boyliood,  certain  books  fall  into  his  hands.  The  character 
of  these  books  may  be  judged  from  one  which  gives  us  a 
clear  idea  of  the  kind  of  reading  which  3'oung  Lincoln 
was  pursuing.  It  is  entitled,  '*  The  Youth's  Companion." 
It  was  the  substance  of  various  addresses  delivered  by 
Dr.  Witherspoon  —  a  man  whose  bronze  statue  adorns 
Fairmount  Park,  Philadelphia — to  the  senior  class  of 
Princeton  College.  I  can  see  how  to  a  boy  of  right  prin- 
ciples, as  3"0ung  Lincoln  was,  such  addresses  if  read  would 
stir  within  him  all  his  Puritan  blood. 

Dr.  Witherspoon  appeals  to  those  Princeton  grad- 
uates much  in  the  same  way  that  Paul  does  to  Timothy. 
It  is  a  call  to  endurance  ;  to  stand  up  strong  and  straight 
under  hardships ;  to  be  as  a  good  soldier.  Here  are  the 
heads  of  the  chapters;  you  can  judge  for  yourself:  The 
first  is  entitled,  "  Attempt  great  things ; ''  the  second 
admonishes  us  to  "Encounter  dangers  with  resolution;" 
the  third  bids  us  "  Struggle  against  difficulties  with  perse- 
verance ; "  while  the  fourth  and  last  is  to  show  wh}^  and 
how  we  should  "  Bear  sufferings  with  fortitude  and 
patience." 

Some   epoch-making    book    comes    into    every    noble 


1S4  MEMOlilAL     OF 

inairs  life.  It  is  "Pilgrim's  Progress"  with  one;  it  is 
;i  volume  of  Emerson's  essays  with  another;  it  is  some 
stirring  biography  with  a  third.  Such  a  book  as  tliis  of 
Witherspoon's  may  have  been  the  epoch-making  book  with 
Frederic  Walker  Lincoln.  It  would  act  ujion  him  much 
as  did  the  *' Lives  of  the  Saints  "  upon  Loyola  when  still 
the  Knight  Recalde  at  Pamplona.  Indeed,  I  imagine  I 
detect  its  spirit  all  through  that  very  excellent  address 
which  the  young  man  Lincoln  made  to  otlier  young  men 
when  he  was  only  twenty-seven  years  old.  I  should 
deem  myself  happy  if  among  my  literary  remains  such  a 
thoughtful  and  discriminating  address  could  be  found 
with  the  a[)pended  words,  "  Delivered  when  but  twenty- 
seven  years  of  age." 

Let  me  quote  certain  sentiments  —  I  should  have  said 
that  this  address  was  given  before  the  Mechanic  Appren- 
tices' Library  Association  in  1844: 

*•  The  present  age  demands  men,  whole  men,  their 
natures  all  developed ;  their  resources  at  command,  alive 
to  great  enterjjrises,  earnest  in  the  pursuit  of  truth.  Is  the 
present  generation  of  young  men  of  this  stamp  ?  Have 
they  any  idea  of  their  responsibilities?  Time  permits 
me  to  refer  but  to  one  duty  —  to  country  —  this  noble 
country,  its  whole  history  filled  with  heroic  deeds  by 
heroic  men. 

"1  call  u[)on  you  by  all  those  motives  which  should 
ins[»ire  a  true  [iriile  in  an  illustrious  ancestry,  as  heirs  of 
a  glorious  inheritance,  by  the  names  of  the  sainted 
patriots  whose  blood  has  moistened  this  soil,  to  be  true  to 
your  noble  legjicies." 


FREDERIC     WALKER    LINCOLN.  185 

Growth  of  years  is  necessary  in  every  man's  life. 
Usually  they  are  quiet  3ears,  when  the  influences  at  work 
are  like  those  gentle  ones  of  nature ;  they  distill  as  the 
clew,  as  the  small  rain  upon  the  tender  herb,  and  as 
the  showers  upon  the  grass.  They  are  the  years  when 
temperament  is  being  transformed  into  character.  By 
temperament  I  mean  the  inheritance  with  which  a  man  is 
born.  By  character  I  mean  the  modifications  he  of  his 
own  will  makes  with  that  original  heritage  —  what  he 
adds  to  it  or  takes  from  it,  the  acquired  attributes.  Think 
of  the  babyhood  of  Cincinnatus,  of  Washington,  of  Wen- 
dell Phillips,  and  then  contrast  their  after  lives  I 

What  is  it  the  Romans  trusted  in  Cincinnatus  ?  Not 
his  natural  tendencies,  but  his  acquired  self-control,  his 
moderation,  his  justice,  his  unswerving  patriotism  —  in 
short,  his  character.  When  the  Eternal  City  was  torn 
with  dissensions  and  in  greatest  danger,  Cincinnatus  was 
made  dictator.  With  great  power  at  his  command  he 
reorganized  the  arm}',  defeated  a  powerful  enemy,  refused 
to  take  any  share  of  the  booty,  and  after  peace  was  de- 
clared and  the  nation  secure  he  calmly  resigned  his 
authority  and  quietly  returned  to  his  farm,  still  a  poor 
man,  to  earn  his  livelihood  by  honest  work. 

Well  have  the  ages  held  in  high  esteem  this  distin- 
guished Roman  and  refused  to  let  his  name  or  memory  die  I 
Plis  fame  is  as  immortal  to-day  as  it  was  2,000  years  ago. 

So  using  almost  these  same  words  over  again,  I  might 
say.  What  is  it  the  Bostonians  trusted  in  Frederic  W. 
Lincoln?  Not  simply  his  natural  tendencies,  but  his 
acquired  self-control,  his  moderation,  his  justice,  his  un- 
swerving patriotism  —  in  short,  his  character.     When  his 


180  MEMORIAL     OF 

country  \v;is  tDiui  with  dissensions  and  in  supreme  danger 
Lincoln  was  made  mayor.  With  great  power  at  his  com- 
miind  he  defeated  the  attempts  made  to  create  draft  riots, 
he  inspired  the  troops  yoing  from  the  city  to  the  front,  he 
refused  to  take  commissions  on  army  contracts,  or  in  any 
way  darken  his  fair  name  with  even  the  shadow  of  sus- 
picion, and  when  peace  was  dechired  and  the  nation 
secure  he  gave  up  liis  authority  and  quietly  returned  to 
his  modest  home,  still  a  poor  man,  to  earn  his  livelihood 
hy  honest  work. 

Shall  not  tile  present  generation  hold  in  high  esteem 
this  distinguished  Bostonian  and  refuse  to  let  Jilx  name 
or  memory  die  ? 

As  I  re-read  the  biographies  of  Wendell  Phillips,  of 
Benjamin  Franklin,  of  Cincinnatus,  I  see  no  sudden  moral 
or  intellectual  change  ;  i.e.,  they  were  not  ordinary  men 
one  week  and  extraordinary  men  the  next  week.  lu 
every  case  the  process  was  slow. 

Day  by  day  a  little,  here  a  bit  and  there  a  portion,  — 
imperceptibly  even  to  their  friends,  —  this  inner  growth 
proceeded. 

We  will  not  dwell  therefore  on  the  years  in  Lini-oln's 
life  from  1844  to  18o4.  They  are  giowth  years.  He 
was  not  inactive  by  any  means,  and  though  he  has  now 
taken  upon  himself  the  cares  of  family  and  continues  to 
devote  his  attention  to  his  private  business,  —  that  of 
making:  mathematical  instruments,  —  he  vet  finds  time 
to  think  of  outside  things  and  to  plan  for  tlie  highest  in- 
terests of  the  community. 

During  the  early  '50's  many  young  men  from  rural 
New  Kngland  were  migrating  to  Boston,  drawn  by  its  in- 


FREDERIC    WALKER    LINCOLN.  187 

creasing  commercial  imj)ortance.  There  was  not  at  that 
time,  as  there  are  now,  clul)s,  societies,  and  associations  of 
all  kinds  for  strangers  and  friendless  young  men  and 
women.  The  church  sociable  as  we  have  it  to-day  had 
not  yet  come  into  existence,  and  the  public  library  was 
largely  unknown.  There  was  little  outside  of  the  saloon 
and  the  theatre  for  the  socially  inclined  stranger.  Mr. 
Lincoln  commenced  to  ponder  on  this  subject.  "  What," 
he  said  to  himself,  "is  the  best  thing  that  can  be  done  for 
these  young  men  ?  "  Then  the  thought  came  of  organizing 
young  men  into  some  kind  of  union  which  should  be 
their  own,  a  new  institution,  the  uniting  bond  of  which 
should  be  a  union  of  all  sects  and  parties.  It  is  a 
familiar  enough  idea  to-day.  It  was  novel  and  original  a 
half  century  ago.  So  far  as  I  am  able  to  trace,  the  seed 
thought  was  Mr.  Lincoln's.  His  was  the  hand  that  wrote 
the  prospectus,  his  the  mind  that  formulated  the  articles 
of  association,  and  while  he  was  president  (1854)  the 
Boston  Y.M.C.  Union  was  placed  upon  so  broad,  so 
admirable  a  foundation  that  it  has  served,  ever  since,  as 
the  pattern  of  hundreds  of  others  throughout  the  land. 

Mr.  Lincoln's  tastes  and  ambitions  never  seemed  to 
require  or  to  desire  a  larger  arena  than  Boston  itself 
offered.  It  is  true  that  in  1853  he  was  a  member  of  the 
Constitutional  Convention ;  true  too  that  he  served  in 
the  Massachusetts  Legislature  ;  but  then  you  will  please 
to  observe  that  he  did  not  have  to  leave  his  native  city 
in  order  to  perform  the  duties  of  these  State  positions, 
and  liis  chief  object  in  becoming  a  State  officer  seems  to 
have  been  for  the  purpose  of  serving  better  the  interests 
of  his  loved  niuiiicipality. 


188  MEMORIAL     OF 

Boston,  always  Boston  :  what  can  be  done  for  it,  now, 
here,  for  its  future,  its  glory,  its  good.  That,  as  I  said 
before,  seems  to  be  the  one  dominating  idea  of  this  man's 
life. 

Well,  then,  is  it  any  wonder  that  such  unusual,  such 
unswerving  devotion  to  the  best  interests  of  this  city 
should  come  to  be  recognized,  first  by  this  friend,  then 
by  that  acquaintance,  after  a  while  by  the  whole  com- 
munity ?  Is  it  any  wonder  that  when  the  evil  days  came 
upon  our  country,  when,  torn  l)y  passion  and  bitter  politi- 
cal feeling,  the  people  felt  the  need  of  a  safe  and  firm 
hand  at  the  municipal  helm,  as  they  did  on  the  quarter- 
deck of  the  National  Ship  of  State,  they  should  have 
turned  instinctivel}'  to  Frederic  Walker  Lincoln  ? 

Nothing  could  be  said  of  a  derogatory  nature  against 
his  predecessor.  He  was  a  good  man,  and  yet,  —  and  yet 
—  well,  the  man  for  tlie  hour  must  be  of  a  different  stamp, 
and  so  ex-Mayor  Lincoln  was  again  called  back  to  the 
executive's  chair,  to  remain  there  and  control  affairs  all 
through  those  stormy  years  which  now  we  call  the  years 
of  rebellion. 

How  wisely  the  people  chose  we  see  in  the  critical 
hours  of  '63. 

Some  of  you  can  still  remember  —  and  with  the 
vividness  of  yesterday  —  how  dark  and  black  things  grew 
in  the  early  part  of  that  year  for  the  Federal  cause.  Gen- 
eral Hooker  was  defeated.  The  bloody  battle  of  Chan- 
cellorsville  was  fouglit,  and  on  the  third  of  May  the 
Northern  army  was  pushed  back,  while  the  Confederate 
steadily  advanced.  Then  in  .June  came  the  news  of  the 
brilliant  onward  rush  of  General  Lee.     York,  Penn..  was 


FBEDEEIC     WALKER    LINCOLN.  189 

in  his  hands,  and  a  part  of  his  army  had  advanced  to 
within  fonr  miles  of  Harrisburg.  In  those  last  days  of 
Jnne  Philadelphia  was  panic-stricken.  There  was  an 
imperative  need  for  more  troops.  Was  the  Union  going 
down?  Was  the  Southern  cause  to  be  finally  successful  ? 
To  many  timid  souls  it  looked  so.  Northern  sympa- 
thizers with  the  South  commenced  to  express  themselves 
openly.  New  York  City  seemed  suddenly  full  of  seces- 
sionists. Strong  measures  were  necessary.  If  enough 
men  would  not  volunteer  for  the  war,  then  they  must  be 
drafted.     Requisition  papers  must  be  served. 

Such  was  the  condition  of  affairs  July  1,  1863. 

I  need  not  tell  you  what  happened  in  New  York.  You 
all  know.  The  terrible  rioting  there  is  a  matter  of  his- 
tory, l)ut  not  so  many  of  you  are  acquainted  with  what 
took  place  here  in  Boston.  When  the  news  reached  this 
city  that  the  New  York  rioters  were  meeting  with  partial 
success  in  their  nefarious  designs,  the  hot-blooded  and 
treasonable  ones  among  us  thought  it  a  good  time  to  act 
in  violation  of  the  laws.  Accordinglj^  those  most  turbu- 
lent attacked  the  officers  serving  the  draft  notices,  tore 
up  the  communications,  banded  together,  and  commenced 
parading  the  streets  of  the  North  End,  using  inflammatory 
and  treasonable  language. 

What  was  to  be  done  ?  The  better  classes  of  citizens 
were  dismayed  when  they  learned  of  the  dangerous  state 
of  ferment  and  the  possibility  of  an  attack  upon  the  eit3''s 
public  buildings  by  the  infuriated  mob. 

Now,  if  ever,  strong  measures  were  necessary.  Any- 
thing like  indecision,  and,  as  with  a  fire,  the  spirit  of  law- 
lessness  and  violence  would   run   rampant  and   soon    be 


r.lO  MEMORIAL     OF 

lu'vond  (.'oiitrol.  Tlie  man  for  the  hour  was  at  the  City 
Hall.  Witli  remarkable  rapidity  his  orders  went  forth. 
Troops  from  the  surrounding  towns  poured  in,  detach- 
ments from  Fort  Independence,  from  Fort  Warren ;  the 
44th  Regiment,  the  4oth  Regiment,  the  Regiment  of 
Heavy  Artillery  (these  latter  placed  at  the  disposal  of 
Mayor  Lincoln  by  the  governor);  companies  of  cavalry 
from  the  recruiting  station  at  Readville  ;  the  Lancers, 
the  Dragoons,  the  Independent  Com[)any  of  Cadets,  the 
first  Battalion  of  National  Guards,  the  Massachusetts 
Rifle  Club. 

In  a  day  Boston  was  transformed  from  a  peaceful 
city  to  an  armed  camp.  Mounted  patrols  were  thrown 
out  along  the  roads  to  Charlestown,  Cambridge,  Roxbury, 
even  as  far  as  the  arsenal,  at  Watertown.  "Troops  were 
static med  at  Dock  square,  at  Faneuil  Hall  square:  they 
surrounded  all  the  public  buildings,  and  were  to  be  seen 
on  the  bridges  as  well  as  at  the  gun-house." 

As  evening  came  on  knots  of  men  began  to  collect, 
and  by  seven  o'clock  the  low  rumbling  of  an  approaching 
storm  was  heard  in  various  districts.  The  crowd  in- 
creased and  grew  with  every  step,  and  in  another  hour 
the  size  of  this  mob  was  [)ortentous  of  evil.  His  Honor 
the  Mayor  was  at  the  Second  I'olice  Station  advising 
operations.  At  the  various  armories  tiie  soldiers  only 
waited  the  word  to  start.  Meanwhile  the  rioters,  now 
f'Town  bolder  and  conlident  of  tlu'ir  strength,  commenced 
to  attack  the  Light  Artillery  Armory,  Captain  Jones  com- 
mandinir.  Windows  were  smashed,  showers  of  bricks 
fell  inside,  four  oi'  live  of  the  soldiers  were  severely  hurl. 
'^Wliat  shall  we(h)?"  went  out  the  (jueslion  to  the  Mayor. 


FREDERIC     WALKER    LINCOLN.  191 

"You  will  hokl  tliu  place  at  any  cost  —  at  any  cost,  I  re- 
peat," came  back  Mr.  Lincoln's  reply.  Captain  Jones,  on 
this  order,  had  all  in  readiness,  the  two  pieces  of  cannon 
in  his  possession  were  loaded  with  good  rounds  of  canis- 
ter, and  in  quick,  sharp  voice  came  his  command,  "  Fire." 
At  the  same  moment  the  soldiers  used  their  small  anus. 
There  was  a  flash,  a  roar,  and  the  crowd,  panic-stricken, 
broke  and  ran,  leaving  the  dead  and  wounded  where  they 
had  fallen.     The  tide  was  turned. 

This  on  the  14th  of  July.  On  the  23d  Mayor  Lin- 
coln, in  liis  address  to  the  council,  said :  "  I  congratu- 
late the  City  Council  upon  the  quiet  and  good  order 
which  now  prevail.  .  .  .  The  lawless  and  unprincipled 
must  now  see  that  the  authorities  have  the  means  to 
enforce  order.  Vigilance  will  not  be  relaxed.  .  .  .  The 
least  symptom  of  disorder  will  be  quelled  with  a  force 
which  will  silence  all  opposition." 

Do  you  wonder  after  this  that  good  citizens  every- 
where, without  respect  to  party,  trusted  and  had  full  con- 
fidence in  the  man  that  occupied  the  executive's  chair? 

One  wonld  think  all  this  enough  for  a  single  indi- 
vidual to  do.  If  the  minister  of  a  church  approached  a 
man  as  busy  as  this  with  the  request  that  he  continue  to 
act  as  superintendent  of  the  Sunday-school,  whicli  position 
he  had  held  since  1840,  it  would  not  be  surprising  if  he 
declined  ;  particularly  should  we  expect  a  negative  answer 
from  him  if  he  were  already  serving  the  church  in  the 
capacit}^  of  treasurer.  Yet  Mr.  Lincoln  not  oidy  served 
on  the  standing  committee  of  this  Second  Church  from 
1851  to  1895,  l)ut  he  retained  the  position  of  superin- 
tendent   of    the    Sunday-school     for    fully  thirty    years. 


192  MEMORIAL     OF 

Where  can  such  fidelity  to  little  things  as  well  as  to 
great  things  he  matched? 

It  would  he  gratuitous  to  speak  to  3'ou,  who  saw  him 
here  Sunday  after  Sunday,  of  his  regularity  in  attending 
the  churcli  services.  No  member  more  confidently  could 
he  couMtt'(l  upon  to  be  in  his  pew.  The  quiet  hour  of 
worship  meant  much  to  him.  Here,  week  by  week,  his 
faith  and  hope  were  strengthened ;  here  he  grew  in 
spiritual  stature;  here  he  tried  to  fashion  his  life  after 
the  Supreme  Pattern;  here  he  felt  and  realized  the  im- 
portance of  eternal  things  and  drew  closer  to  the  One 
All-Embracing  Reality  —  the  Father  and  Sustainer  of 
Souls. 

Such  regularit}-  made  its  impression  upon  others.  In 
the  course  of  the  last  half  century  many  a  young  man  has 
been  shamed  out  of  his  own  carelessness  and  superficial- 
ness  b}'  the  steady  example  set  before  him  in  the  i)erson 
of  ex-Mayor  Lincoln.  We  preach  by  our  words:  we 
preach  much  more  by  our  acts. 

Quite  recently  I  heard  a  number  of  people  from  the 
West  extol  Boston  on  account  of  its  advantages,  its 
beauty,  and  its  well-planned  civic  features.  Perhaps 
they  were  not  aware,  perhaps  we  are  not  aware,  of  how 
largel}-  the  citizens  of  Boston  are  indebted  to  the  citizen 
Lincoln  for  what  they  to-day  enjoy. 

If  some  one,  a  few  weeks  ago,  had  made  the  claim  for 
him  which  I  am  now  about  to  make  I  should  have  attrib- 
uted it  to  that  natural  exaggeration  which  always  follows 
on  the  decease  of  a  good  and  loved  friend.  Indeed,  willi- 
oiit   careful   study,   without  exaniiuing  city   records  and 


FEEDEHIC    WALKEIi    LINCOLN.  10:^) 

official  reports,  I  should  hardly  dare  claim  what  I  am 
going  to,  3et  I  sa}-  as  sober  fact  that  there  is  hardly  a 
great  civic  improvement,  liardly  a  tiling  of  large  impor- 
tance connected  with  the  growth  and  development  of 
Boston  from  1854  to  1874  tliat  cannot  be  attributed 
more  or  less  to  the  initiative,  the  fatliering  influence, 
or  the  indirect  help  it  received  from  Frederic  Walker 
Lincoln. 

Who  at  present  living  in  Roxbury  \\()uld  wish  it  to  be 
sepai-ated  from  Boston  ?  Mayor  Lincoln  saw  the  need  of 
the  union  of  village  and  town  long  before  popular  senti- 
ment was  ready  for  the  annexation,  and  to-day  you  may 
read  his  admirable  official  report  on  the  value  of  making 
Koxl)ury  a  part  of  Boston. 

What  would  our  city  be  without  the  Back  Bay  sec- 
tion ?  In  the  stormy  days  of  1864,  when  others  seemed 
to  be  blind  to  the  advantages  of  filling  in  the  flats  and 
reclaimino-  so  laro-e  an  amount  of  level  land,  the  Mavor 
was  keen  to  note  the  city's  future  need.  In  his  speech 
before  the  City  Council  he  pushes  the  matter  forward, 
giving  the  subject  of  the  Back  Bay  improvement  large 
prominence,  and  saying.  "  I  do  not  hesitate  to  declare 
tliat  it  (the  Back  Bay  filling)  is  the  most  momentous  of 
the  local  interests  which  will  be  l)rought  before  you  this 
present  year." 

If  von  walk  through  the  hall  of  the  present  municipal 
buildino-  on  School  street  von  will  see  that  it  was  erected 
while  Ml-.  Lincoln  was  mayor;  the  same  is  true  of  tlie 
large  City  Hospital  building.  Into  this  latter  enterprise 
the  executive  threw  his  full  interest,  saying  to  his  coun- 
cil:  "'In  the  new  City  Hospital  we  have  added  to  Boston 


r.>4  mi:  MO  I!  1. 1 1.     OF 

ail  objt'i't  of  just  ju'lilu.     It  is  a  noble  institution,  born  ot" 
the  benevolence  an<l  benelicent  spirit  of  our  city.'" 

His  a<,ntation  foi- and  ri'coniinendation  of  a  ijirls'  liigli 
and  noniial  scliool  is  of  the  same  quality  as  his  personal 
work  for  more  and  better  school  buildiuLi^s  everywhere. 
What  he  did,  not  only  otticiallv  but  personally,  for  the 
improvement  of  our  harbor  has  been  often  told  —  I  need 
not  repeat  the  story:  but  I  am  witliin  the  l)(junds  of  sober 
truth  when  I  say  tliat  the  energy,  the  interest,  and  the 
influence  of  this  one  man  has  done  more  than  any  other 
factor  to  preserve  to  Boston  a  proper  shij)  channel  and 
to  retain  for  us  that  magnificent  harl)or  into  which  now 
steam  in  safety  the  largest  ocean  vessels. 

What  shall  ]  say  more "/  Does  not  this  simjile  chron- 
icle of  fact  speak  to  your  hearts  and  minds  more  power- 
fully than  any  eloquent  eulogy?  Does  it  not  tell  you 
moie  truly,  more  accurately  than  words  of  mine,  of  the 
genuine  worth  of  him  whom  I  delight  to  call  ''first  citizen 
of  Boston  "  ? 

We  sometimes  say  that  Jesus  came  to  establish  a  great 
democracy,  a  world-wide  commonwealth  in  which  thcic 
should  be  lU)  ranks  or  titles,  but  every  man  and  \\(im;in. 
being  on  the  same  plane  of  e(|Uality.  should  delight  in 
the  simple  designations  of  "brothei""  and  -"sister." 

This  statement  I  do  not  think  (|uite  accurate. 

When  asked  by  his  (lisci]»les  w  ho  should  occupy  the 
lirst  places  in  the  new  kingdom,  Jesus  laid  down  the  tol- 
lowing  rule : 

"  lie  lh;it  will  be  diM'.A'i"  among  you.  let  him  minister 
inilo  (tthers. 


Fh'FJ)i:i!lc     WW  L  1(1:1;     l.fXCOL.X.  19;") 

"Wlios(»eviT  will  1)1'  ciiiKF  among-  you,  let  liim  \><-  as 
your  SLTvaut." 

By  that  rule  our  honored  fru'ud  was  gi-cat,  was  chief; 
by  tliat  rule  does  he  deserve  the  title  I  bestowed,  ''The 
tirst  citizen. " 

This  church  desires  to  put  in  enduring-  I'orni  the 
memorials  of  those  who  have  loved  and  seived  her. 

It  is  not  an  easy  task.  When  we  go  hack  and  recall 
the  earnest  Puritans  that  Liid  her  corner-stone;  the 
sturdy  patriots  that  defended  her;  the  bold  and  brave 
voices  that  spoke  forth  from  her  pulpit  for  intellectual 
libert}-;  the  scores  of  her  layn)en  who  have  believed  in 
human  freedom  and  the  abolition  of  slavery;  and  the 
many  in  our  own  generation  who  silently,  modestly,  have 
worked,  each  in  his  jJace,  for  the  furtherance  of  the 
Kingdom  of  God,  we  say,  Who  shall  recount  them  ? 

It  is  an  illustrious  roll  of  honor,  of  piety,  and  one  that 
any  church  may  well  be  proud  of. 

A  new  generation  is  rising  up.  What  shall  speak  to 
it  of  these  noble  men  and  women  —  what  tal)let,  what 
bronze  or  marble,  what  stained-glass  window'/ 

It  has  too  long  been  the  fashion  to  adorn  our  churches 
with  meaningless  figures  that  represent  a  type  of  piety,  a 
style  of  life,  a  method  of  action  impracticable, — yes,  im- 
possible to  us. 

^^''e  need,  then,  i)ictures  in  glass,  forms  in  stone,  tal>- 
lets  in  bronze  that  shall  bring  to  oui-  mind  .modeiin  saints, 
men  of  a  possible  type,  those  who  are  living  under  exactly 
the  same  conditions  we  now  lind  about  ourselves,  and 
battling  with  the  same  tciuiitations.  Such  menioi-ials  of 
such    men    and    women    will    be    iiirentixcs.     Tlie\-   will 


1 '.»<■,  MKMniUM.     OF 

briii^'  to  (iiir  iiiiinls  Imw  we,  t<i(t.  ;uv  called  tn  coiist'eratf 
ourselves:  how  we,  too,  are  called  to  saintliooil.  SikIi 
a  menioi'ial,  to  such  a  modern  saint  as  Frederic  W.  Lin- 
coln, we  need  and  must  have. 

Wiierefore,  seeing  that  we  are  surrounded  l)y  so  great 
a  cloud  of  witnesses,  let  ns  lay  aside  every  weight,  and 
the  sin  which  doth  so  easily  beset  us,  and  let  us  I'un  with 
patience  the  race  that  is  set  heiore  us,  .  .  .  until  we 
all  come  into  the  unity  of  the  faith,  unto  the  perfect  man, 
unto  the  measure  of  the  stature  of  the  fulness  of  our  elder 
brother,  the  Prince  of  Peace  and  Chief  (;f  Saints. 


TRIBUTES 

FROM 

INSTITUTIONS    AND    CORPORATIONS. 


TRIBUTES. 


FROM  THE  OVERSEERS  OF  THE  POOR. 


At  a  meeting  of  the  Board  of  Overseers  of  tlie  Poor  licld 
Sept.  16,  189S,  to  take  action  witli  regard  to  its  Treasurer, 
Hon.  Fkedekic  Walker  Lincolx.  the  fuHowing  resolutions 
were  unanimously  adopted  : 

Whereas,  By  tlie  death  of  Hon.  Frederic  W.  Lincoln  the 
Board  of  Overseers  of  the  Poor  in  the  City  of  Boston  loses 
one  of  its  most  faithful  officers,  who  has  been  its  Treasurer 
for  the  past  twenty  years  and  wliose  services  prior  to  that 
time  as  Chairman  of  the  Board  covered  a  period  of  eleven 
years  ;  and 

Wlieveas,  The  F>oard  has  met  together  to  take  suitable 
action  upon  Mr.   Lincoln's  death  ; 

Resolved,  That  we  herel)y  express  our  great  sense  of  loss 
in  the  death  of  our  Treasurer  and  former  associate,  whose 
long  and  faithful  services  have  been  of  such  value  to  the 
community  and  especially  to  the  poor. 

Resolved,  That  we  gladly  bear  witness  to  the  kindly  si)irit 
and  unfailing  courtesy  shown  by  our  late  Treasurer  in  all  his 
official  relations. 

Resolved,  That  we  extend  to  the  widow  and  children  of  our 
friend  our  most  cordial  and  heartfelt  sympathy  in  their 
bereavement. 

Resolved,  That  as  a  mark  of  resjiect  to  tlie  deceased  we 
attend  the  funeral  services  in  a  body,  and  that  the  offices  of 
the  Board  l)e  closed  on  the  day  of  the  funeral. 

Resoloi'd,  That  tliese  resolutions  be  sjn-ead  upon  our  records, 
and  that  a  copy  be  sent  by  the  Secretary  to  the  family  of 
Mr.  Lincoln. 

10!) 


•2<»0  MKMOlUAL     OF 


MASSACHUSETTS    CHARITABLE    MECHANIC 
ASSOCIATION. 


At  a  meeting  of  tlie  members  of  this  Association,  held 
yesterday,  tlie  folh)\ving  memorial  paper  was  presented  by 

till'  I'resiilciit    and   passed  by  a  inianiinons  vote: 

IN   MEMORIAM. 

In  tlic  iiioiitli  (»f  September,  1839,  Fredkiiic  W.  Lincoln 
became  ;i  mend)er  of  this  Association.  In  September,  1S9.S, 
he  died.  Dming  the  intervening  fifty -nine  years  the  services 
rendered  l)y  him  to  our  Association,  and  his  uniformly 
courteous  bearing  toward  our  members,  caused  him  to  be 
respected  and  beloved  by  tlicm  all. 

For  the  earlier  years,  as  a  member  of  important  committees, 
and  later  as  Trustee,  Vice-President,  President,  and  Treasurer. 
—  sixteen  years  \\\  all.  —  his  wise  counsel  and  influence  Avere 
imjiortant  factors  in  the  prosperity  of  the  Association.  That 
he  was  l)y  nature  gifted  with  a  large  measure  of  executive 
ability,  judiciously  cultivated,  has  been  demonstrated  by  his 
satisfactory  administration  of  every  one  of  the  official  trusts 
confided  to  him. 

When  but  six  years  a  member  of  the  .Vssociation  he  was 
selected  to  deliver  the  semi-centennial  address,  in  184;"). 
Fifty  years  later  he  delivered,  as  many  of  you  will  remember, 
the  centennial  address,  in  189."). 

His  connection  with  the  building  and  subse(iuent  manage- 
ment of  the  Revere  House ;  of  the  ]iunker  Hill  Monument; 
the  Mechanic  .\])])rentices'  Lil)rary  Association  ;  the  Fraidv- 
liii  Statiii';  the  l^iglilli  i'^xhibition  ;  our  building  on  liedford 
street:  and  iiMUt' recent ly    in  the   movement    to  ]>\irchase   this 


FRKDEinc     WALK  hi!    JJXCOLN.  201 

laud,  aiul  in  tlie  election  of  this  buildiiiLj;',  —  in  all  tlu'se,  and 
other  minor  movements  of  the  Association,  covering  almost 
tAvo  generations,  the  helpful  hand  and  practical  common 
sense  of  Mr.  Lincoln  were  never  wanting. 

Never  self-seeking,  but  retiring ;  never  aggressive,  but  con- 
siderate of  others  ;  he  was,  nevertheless,  firm  and  positive  in 
his  convictions,  always  founded  upon  the  basis  of  intelligent 
investigation. 

Entering  business  and  p\d)lic  life  while  yet  very  young,  by 
constant  attention  to  the  laws  of  health  he  was  enabled  to 
labor  without  serious  iuterru])ti()n  until  he  iiad  passed  the 
traditional  limit  of  "  four  score  years." 

Long-continued  and  laboroius  as  were  his  eft'orts  in  behalf 
of  tliis  Association,  his  public  services  in  other  fields  have 
made  his  name  one  long  to  be  remend)ered  by  our  citizens,  and 
the  pages  of  history  will  carry  t(j  future  generations  lessons  of 
fidelity  and  uprightness  at  once  an  inspiration  to  the  young, 
and  an  honor  to  this  the  city  of  his  birth  and  life-long 
affections. 

Our  roll  of  members,  covering  )aore  than  a  century,  has 
borne  the  names  of  many  men  of  great  ability,  sterling 
integrity,  connnanding  influence,  and  lasting  benefit  to  the 
race,  and  on  this  roll,  among  the  names  longest  to  be  grate- 
fully remembered  by  the  present  and  future  nieml)ers  of  this 
Association,  and  by  the  community  in  wliicli  his  exemjilary 
life  has  been  passed,  will  stand  that  of  Fukdkimc  NV'alkki; 
LixroLX. 

The  legacy  which  lie  has  left  to  posterity  caiU  never  be 
measured  in  currency,  but  the  memory  of  kindly  words  and 
deeds,  his  upright  life,  his  prolonged  labors  for  the  benefit  of 
others,  will  (;ause  his  name  to  be  most  gratefully  remembered 
through  the  years  to  come. 


-02  MKMnlHAL     OF 


VETERAN    APPRENTICES'    LIBRARY    ASSOCIATION. 


HON.    KKEDKRIC    W.    LINCOLN. 

At  a  recent  meeting  of  the  Veteran  Apprentices*  Library 
Association  of  Boston,  the  first  since  the  death  of  its  Presi- 
dent, Hon.  Fkedekic  W.  Lincoln,  a  committee  was  appointed 
to  take  proper  notice  of  the  life,  character,  and  services  of 
the  deceased.  In  attempting  this  dnty  we  feel  how  poorly 
any  thonghts  we  can  express  will  do  justice  to  this  good  man, 
who  from  early  life  to  a  ripe  old  age  has  done  so  much  lor 
his  fellow-men. 

Many  eloquent  words  have  been  si)oken  by  those  who 
have  known  him  in  his  various  and  honorable  walks  in  life, 
and  many  more  might  be  said. 

"  He  always  and  everywhere  gave  his  strength  to  the  weak  ; 
his  sub.stance  to  the  poor;  his  symi)athy  to  the  distressed; 
ins  heart  to  God." 

Tt  was  with  Frederic  A\'.  Lincoln,  the  api)rentice  boy,  we 
first  learned  to  love,  honor,  and  respect  him. 

He  joined  the  Apprentices'  Library  when  thirteen  years  of 
age,  in  18.S0,  and  up  to  the  time  of  his  death,  September, 
1898,  sixty-eight  years,  he  never  lost  his  interest  or  forgot 
his  duty  to  the  Library  or  its  mend)ers.  How  much  influence 
it  had  in  shaping  his  character  in  after  life,  few  can  tell;  that 
it  led  him  in  paths  of  study,  temperance,  charity,  and  self- 
respect  we  cannot  doubt. 

He  was  elected  President  in  LS.'tCi,  and  on  several  occasions 
delivered  public  addresses  that  reflected  credit  u}iou  him  and 
honor  u])on  the  Association. 

When  the  Veteran  Apju-entices"  Association  was  formed  he 
was  elected  President  ami  conrinuctl  to  hold  the  office  uj*  to 


FREDKIilC     \VALI<i:i!     LL\(()L\.  :2<»:5 

the  tiiiu'  of  liis  death.  In  all  the  li()ii()i-al)h'  ])laces  ainlolHces 
he  has  filled  —  as  ^layor  of  tliis  city,  Kepiesentative,  I'lcsidcut 
of  >[assachusetts  Charitable  jNIei-hauif  Association.  Superin- 
tendent of  the  Sunday-school  of  Second  Church  thirty  years, 
and  numerous  organizations  —  he  manifested  a  desire  to  do  his 
duty  towards  his  fellow-citizens  and  country. 

His  mind  was  always  leading-  him  to  }tractical  ways. 

"  Tliiit  (lay  was  best  wlicroiii  hi"  j;ave 

A  thoujibt  to  others'  sorrows ; 
Forge ttinii:  self,  he  Iciirned  to  live, 
And  blessings  horn  of  kindly  deeds 

Made  golden  his  to-morrows." 

Be  it  therefore 

Resolved,  That  the  Veteran  Mechanic  A[)prentices'  Library 
Association  recognize  in  the  life,  services,  and  character  of 
the  Hon.  Frederic  W.  Lincoln,  their  late  President,  and  as- 
sociate for  many  years,  a  man  of  rare  executive  ability, 
honesty  of  purpose,  and  loyalty  to  all  good  works  that  would 
benefit  society. 

liesolved,  That  we  recall  with  pleasure  his  zeal  and  devo- 
tion in  early  life  to  the  up-building  of  the  Mechanic  Appren- 
tices' Library,  and  believe  that  his  services  in  its  behalf  made 
him  a  better  boy  and  num,  and  inspired  others  with  hope  to 
attain  knowledge  and  honorable  distinction  in  life. 

Resolveil,  That  in  all  the  social,  political,  or  religious 
departments  of  our  government  he  was  always  sincere,  truth- 
ful, and  earnest,  and  we  can  look  upon  his  life  and  services 
as  worth}^  of  our  greatest  respect  and  sincere  affection. 

Resolved ,  That  a  copy  of  this  report  be  sent  to  the  family 
of  our  deceased  member,  and  spread  upon  our  records. 


•204  Mi:u(H;iAL    oh 


FRANKLIN    SAVINGS    BANK. 


At  the  regular  meeting  of  the  Trustees  of  the  Franklin 
Savings  Bank,  of  the  (Jity  of  Bostcjn,  held  to-day,  the  follow- 
ing tribute  in  memory  of  the  late  President  of  the  Bank, 
Hon.  Fi;i:i)i;i;i('  W.  T.txcolx,  was  unanimously  adopted: 

When  a  fully  rounded  and  ac-comijlished  life,  like  that  of 
our  late  associate  and  President,  Frederic  Walker  Lincoln, 
closes,  there  remain  for  those  who  survive  him  only  tender 
and  affectionate  memories  and  gratitude,  that  we  have  so  long 
been  able  to  enjoy  his  true  friendship,  his  faithful  devotion  to 
duty,  his  wise  counsel,  his  keen  sagacity,  unswerving  courage, 
lofty  principle,  inflexible  integrity,  luifailing  courtesy,  and 
generous  self-denial.  Few  men  have  ever  given,  through  a 
life  protracted  beyond  two  generations,  so  much  time  and 
labor  to  the  welfare,  protection,  and  advantage  of  his  fellow- 
citizens,  often  to  the  serious  detriment  of  his  own  personal 
interests. 

Porn  of  a  family  that  has  borne  a  distinguished  part  in  the 
early  history  of  the  country,  and  esi)ecially  in  the  Eevolution- 
ary  War,  he  typified  all  the  gallant  and  courageous  character- 
istics of  his  ance.stry,  and  during  his  long  service  as  Mayor, 
by  wisdom,  discretion,  and  bravery,  maintained  the  peace, 
loyalty,  and  prosperity  of  the  city,  not  only  during  the  dark 
days  of  the  Civil  \\'ar,  b\it  in  llic  years  immediately  preced- 
ing and  following.  r)Ul  holding  his  city  to  its  highest 
national  duty   was  not    his  chief  honor. 

By  what  he  has  done  for  the  improvement  of  its  harbor, 
extension  of  its  commerce,  wise  treatment  of  its  poor,  de- 
velopment of  its  educational  and  philanthropic  institutions, 
far-seeing  j)r()vision    for  the  business  and  material  wants  of 


FREDEIUC     WALKER    LINCOLN.  2<)."i 

• 
llif    people,  lie    lias    placed    his    iiaiiic    high    iipdii    the    list    ol' 
tlidse  tliat  historv  will   imuoU  as  ,i;eiiuiiie  and   iiiisellish   IxMie- 
t'actors. 

One  of  the  oi'it^iual  iiicoi-porators  named  in  tlie  eharlfr  of 
this  l>ank,  March  IT),  1S()1,  he  ivnuiined  in  its  constant  sei'vice 
as  Trustee,  member  of  its  Finance  Committee,  \'ic(!-Presideiit 
and  President,  until  his  death,  and  the  (pialities  lie  has 
exhibited  in  tluit  lon,<;-  term  of  more  than  thirty-seven  years 
are  those  which  have  so  inqiressed  his  character  upon  the 
respect  and  affection  of  tliis  Board,  and  been  so  invaluable 
in  contributing  to  the  re})utation  and  prospei-ity  of  the  IJank. 

With  more  than  mere  formality  we  offer  our  sincere  sym- 
l)athy  to  his  mourning  family,  assuring  them  tliat  nowliere 
among  his  countless  friends  will  the  nienuny  of  his  noble, 
p\ire,  and  unstained  life  be  more  lovingly  cherished  than  by 
the  Trustees  of  the  Franklin  Savings  Bank. 


20H  MEMORIAL     OF 


BOSTON    l.K^.HT    INFANTRY    VETERAN    CORPS. 


The  HoiKinible  Fkkdkkic  "W.  Lincoln',  fur  many  years  a 
nu'inber  of  this  cor[)S,  having  recently  "  crossed  the  river,"' 
we  desire  to  make  a  record  of  our  appreciation  of  him,  as 
one  who  in  a  long  life  of  eighty-one  years,  whether  serving 
his  native  city  in  several  honorable  stations  to  which  he  was 
called,  or  in  many  private  trusts,  or  in  his  own  i)rivatt' 
business,  was  always  honest,  affable,  yet  firm  to  do  as  ap- 
l)eared  to  him  the  right,  with  consideration  for  those  with 
whom  he  might  differ ;  gentlemanly  and  vigorous  in  business, 
church,  or  politics,  commanding  and  receiving  the  respect  of 
all  associated  with  him  ;  therefore, 

Resolved,  That  the  above  be  entered  upon  the  records,  and 
a  copy  sent  to  the  family  of  the  deceased. 


FliKDEniC     WALKKU    LiyvOLS.  207 


COMMERCIAL    CLUB. 


IN    ME.MOIMAM    TO    FKEDKKIC    W.    LINCOLN. 

Adukess  bekoke  the  Commercial  Club  of  Boston,  t^Ei-T.  17,  IH'JS. 
By  Mr.  M.  p.  Kennard. 

<»ii  Tuesday  evening  last,  the  loth  iut-t.,  the  Dean,  we 
may  say,  of  our  ("hib,  the  lion.  Fkkdekic  Walkek  Lincoln, 
after  a  few  brief  hours  of  ebbing  vitality,  gently  i)assed  away. 
As  was  said  yesterday  at  that  impressive  service  in  the 
crowded  Second  (Jhureh  :  "  As  ripened  fruit  touched  by  the 
kindly  wind,  so  he,  touched  by  the  gentle  hand  of  Death,'' 
})eacefully  breathed  his  last. 

Mr.  Lincoln,  it  will  be  remembered,  was  the  first  President 
of  our  Club,  one  of  its  original  and  earnest  organizers,  and 
for  the  past  well-nigh  thirty  years  of  intimacy  here,  a  most 
deeply  respected  and  beloved  member,  the  remembrance  of 
whose  unwavering  interest  and  valued  counsel  will  ever  be 
cherished  in  association  with  his  modest  and  agreeable  per- 
sonality. 

1  will  not  recount  in  detail  the  widely  extended  record  of 
his  patriotic  and  tireless  devotion  to  the  public  service.  It 
is  needless  here.  The  public  Journals,  in  elaborate  eulogy, 
have  copiously  given  them  jjublicity  since  his  death.  The 
trend  of  that  devotion  was  an  inheritance,  deeply  imbued  in 
his  blood,  from  a  notable  patriotic  ancestry  ;  —  he  could  not 
escape  it  if  he  would,  and  he  would  not  escape  it  if  he  could  : 
though  doubtless,  at  times,  those  public  demands  upon  him 
were  met  with  pecuniary  loss  to  himself.  Few  men  served 
the  public  in  so  many  ways. 

Repeatedly  elected  to  the  mayoralty,  he  served  tiic  city  in 
that  capacity  seven  years,  which  included  the  trying  period 


208  MKMOIilAL     OF 

ul  our  Civil  \\';ir.  As  ('li;iiiiii;iii  ot  the  ISostoii  ISourd  <>t"  <  >vei- 
s»'»M-s  <»1  tlu'  I'uiir  for  eleven  years,  and  subsequently  for 
twenty  years  its  Treasurer,  in  cliarge  of  the  iini)ortant  fund 
which  has  aeeumiilated  in  the  possession  of  that  Uoard:  again 
and  again  elected  a  Kepresentative  in  our  ^lassachusetts 
Legislature  ;  as  Chairman,  for  several  years,  of  the  State 
Uoard  of  Harl)or  Coniniissioners ;  as  President,  for  many 
years,  of  the  Franklin  Savings  Bank;  as  President  and 
Treasurer  of  the  ^Massachusetts  Charitable  Medianic  Asso- 
ciation ;  as  President  of  the  P)unker  Hill  Monument  Associa- 
tion :  for  more  than  forty  years  Treasurer  and  influential 
mend>er  of  the  Second  ( 'hurch  in  Poston,  of  the  ancient 
history  of  which  he  was  proud  ;  —  all  these  and  many  more 
lionorable  responsibilities,  to  which  he  always  promi)tly 
responded  with  unselfish  fidelity,  not  only  attest  to  his  pa- 
triotic interest  for  the  ])ublic  weal,  but  to  the  unbounded  con- 
fidence with  wiiich  he  was  regarded  by  his  fellow-citizens, 
and  are  a  tribute  to  his  personal  worth. 

He  was  also  honored  by  degrees  conferred  upon  liiiii  i»y 
Harvard  University  and  Dartmouth  College. 

Ketiring  rather  than  demonstrative,  cautious  but  not  pessi- 
mistic, he  thus  has  filled  a  prominent  place  in  the  local 
history  of  his  times,  and  left  us  the  record  of  an  unstained 
life. 

"  \\'\i\  iiimirii  VL',  tlifii,  for  liiiii,  who  liaviiij;  won 

The  bound  of  man's  appointcil  years  at  last, 
Life's  blessings  all  enjoyed,  life's  labor  done, 

Serenely  to  his  final  rest  has  passed ; 
Wliile  the  soft  niem'ry  of  iiis  virtues  yet 
Lingers  like  twilight  hues,  when  the  bright  sun  is  set?  " 


FREDKllK'     W'ALKKI!    LINCOLN.  ^OU 


BUNKER    Hll,L   MONUMENT    ASSOCIATION. 


At  a  iiieetiiijjj  of  the  Bunker  Hill  Monument  Association, 
lield  tills  (lay.  tin'  ioUowintj^  resolutions  wei'e  unanimously 
passed  : 

ir/iert'os,  Since  the  last  meeting  of  this  Association  it  has 
lost  by  death  one  of  its  most  loyal  and  distinguished  mem- 
bers, the  Hon.  Frederic  Walker  Lixcoln  ; 

Atuf  whereas,  Mr.  Lincoln  had  served  this  Association  as 
one  of  its  officers  for  the  long  period  of  forty-four  years,  in- 
cluding the  eight  years  of  his  presidency ; 

Therefore  resolred,  That  we  gratefully  record  our  ap[)re- 
ciation  of  the  faithful  manner  in  which  he  has  discharged 
the  duties  pertaining  to  the  various  })ositions  wliidi  ho  has 
held  in  this  body. 

Resolved,  That  in  common  with  all  our  fellow-citizous  wc 
recognize  the  high  quality  of  Mr.  Lincoln's  administration  as 
Mayor  of  l^oston  for  seven  j'ears,  including  the  critical  and 
exacting  period  of  the  Civil  War. 

Resolved,  That  we  see  in  the  well-known  character  of  Mr. 
Lincoln  a  fine  examjde  of  patriotism,  inherited  directly  from 
the  most  inspiring  Revolutionary  sources,  and  maintained 
with  honor  amid  all  the  responsibilities  of  his  long  and 
arduous  life. 


I'ln  yfKMOUTAL     OF    FREDERir     \\\     LiycOLW 


CONTINENTAL    NATIONAL    BANK. 


"•IN    MEMOKIAM.  TUKDERIC    W.    LINCOLN'. 

At  a  rejfiilar  meeting  of  tlieC'ontinental  National  P>ank,  held 
tliis  day,  the  following  resolutions  were  ailopted  : 

Resolved,  That  the  Directors  of  the  Continental  National 
Bank,  while  sharing  in  the  great  loss  ■which  this  communitj' 
has  sustained  in  the  death  of  Fkkdkkic  W.  Lincoln,  have 
sj^ecial  cause  for  sorrow,  as  this  event  has  removed  from  their 
companionship  and  counsel  one  who  has  been  connected  with 
this  institution  since  its  organization,  and  taken  an  important 
and  leading  part  in  shaping  its  policy. 

Resolved,  That  it  becomes  us,  who  have  been  so  near  to 
him  for  many  years,  to  bear  testimony  to  his  high  character 
for  integrity,  his  devotion  to  what  he  deemed  to  be  just  and 
right ;  to  the  soundness  of  his  judgment  and  practical  knowl- 
edge of  affairs,  to  which  were  added  a  kindliness  of  manner 
and  the  })ossession  of  those  social  qualities  whidi  coin- 
inanded  the  respect  and  affection  of  all  with  whom  he  was 
connected. 

ResoU'i-d.  That  we  desire  to  express  to  his  faniily  our 
heartfelt  sympathy  in  this  bereavement,  and,  as  a  mark  of 
respect  to  the  memorv  of  our  late  associate,  will  attciul  his 
funeral. 


MEMOniAL    OF    FREDERIC     U'.     LINCOLN.  211 


NEW    ENGLAND    HISTORIC    GENEALOGICAL  SOCIETY. 


At  a  stated  meeting  of  the  New  England  Ilistorif  Genea- 
logical Society,  held  this  afternoon  in  ]Nrarshall  Wilder  Hall, 
in  the  Society's  building,  18  Somerset  street,  John  Joseph 
^lay,  Esq.,  presented  and  read  the  following  Minute  on  the 
death  of  Hon.  Frederic  Walker  Lincoln,  A.M.,  which  was 
nnaniniously  adopted  : 

In  the  death  of  Frederic  W.  Lincoln,  Avhich  occurred  on 
the  thirteenth  day  of  September,  this  Society  has  lost  an 
honored  member,  —  the  earliest  on  its  records  with  a  single 
exception,  —  and  the  city  of  Boston  has  lost  a  citizen  whose 
services  in  many  departments,  and  in  many  other  positions 
of  large  responsibility,  have  been  equalled  by  few.  Begin- 
ning at  an  early  age,  he  held  constantly  during  more  than 
sixty  years  important  positions  of  trust,  the  duties  of  which 
were  uniformly  discharged  with  fidelity  and  marked  success- 

The  length  of  his  service  as  Mayor  of  the  city  exceeded 
that  of  any  other  incumbent,  and  this  during  the  trying 
time  of  the  War  of  the  Union  and  the  years  immediately 
following. 

To  good  judgment,  punctuality,  firmness,  and  unquestioned 
integrity,  he  added  a  courteous  and  kindly  manner  which  dis- 
armed opposition  and  greatly  increased  his  ability  to  jji-omote 
the  interests  that  he  represented. 

He  was  a  model  citizen  and  a  consistent  Christian  gen- 
tleman. 

On  motion,  Voted,  That  a  copy  of  the  Minute  be  sent  to 
the  familv  of  the  deceased. 


•2\-2  MEMORIAL    OF 


LINCOLN    WHARF    COMPANY. 


Will' reus,  In  tlie  death  of  Hon.  Fkedkric  Walker  Lixcolx 
the  Lini-ohi  AVharf  Coni^jany  has  met  with  a  lo.ss  that  cannot 
be  easily  leplaoecl ; 

Whereas,  The  present  Directors  of  the  comi)any  are  pain- 
fully aware  of  this  vacancy  in  their  ranks,  and  mourn  the 
absence  of  a  leader  and  friend  who  by  his  constant  supervi- 
sion and  care  of  the  proi)erty,  and  active  participation  in  the 
business  details  ever  since  the  incorporation  of  the  company, 
and  by  his  wise  management  in  maintaining  the  dividends  so 
essential  to  the  welfare  of  man}-  of  the  stockholders,  who  has 
been  regarded  by  all  parties  interested  as  a  good  counsellor 
and  a  safe  business  giiide  ;  and, 

WJiereas,  We,  the  Directors,  wishing  to  plai-e  uu  ret-ord 
an  expression  of  our  esteem  and  regard  for  our  late  associate, 
do  hereby 

Resolve,  That  recognizing  the  wisdom  and  justice  of  our 
heavenly  Father,  who  doeth  all  things  well,  and  deeply  grate- 
ful that  He  has  permitted  our  friend  to  remain  with  us  beyond 
the  alloted  time  of  "threescore  years  and  ten."  during  which 
his  life  was  abounding  in  good  works  ; 

We  humbly  bow  to  His  decree,  feeling  that  it  can  be  truly 
said  of  him  who  has  jjassed  to  the  other  life  :  "  Well  done, 
thou  good  and  faithful  servant,  enter  thou  into  the  joy  of  thy 
Lord." 

As  Director  he  accepted  the  trust  in  its  fullest  sense,  attend- 
ing personally  to  almost  the  entire  details  of  the  business  of 
the  Corporation  ;  he  was  rarely  absent  from  any  meeting  of 
the  Hoard,  and  was  abnost  always  the  first  to  be  present, 
patiently  awaiting  the  arrival  of  the  other  members  and  always 
rcadv  with  his  <fracious  i/nH'tinsj;. 


FREDEltlC     WALKER    LISCOI.S.  -1-') 

As  Treasurer  his  character  and  ability  were  such  as  to  give 
us  all  absolute  contidence  that  the  finances  and  accounts  of 
the  Corporation  were  in  perfect  safety. 

As  friend  and  counsellor  words  almost  fail  us  to  express, 
he  Avas  so  ready  to  kindly  explain  whatever  was  not  clear  and 
wisely  advise  as  to  the  best  course  to  pursue. 

Resolved,  That  we  tender  to  the  family  of  the  deceased 
our  deepest  sympathy,  and  offer  our  sincere  condolence  for 
their  great  loss. 

Voted,  That  these  resolutions  be  spread  upon  the  records, 
and  a  copy  sent  to  the  family. 


2\  \  MEMORIAL     OF 


BOSTON  STORAGE    WAREHOUSE   COMPANY. 


The  Boston  Storage  Warehoiise  Conipany  has  sustained  a 
great  loss  in  the  death  of  Frkdekic  Walkkr  Lincolx,  whose 
faithful  services  to  its  interests  have  been  given  for  many- 
years.  The  Directors,  therefore,  desire  to  place  upon  their 
records  an  expression  of  their  sorrow  and  a  permanent  mem- 
orial of  their  bereavement. 

Born  in  Boston,  Feb.  27,  1<S17,  educated  in  its  public  and 
private  schools,  lie  inherited  and  acquired  that  i)r()bity  and 
industry  which  are  characteristic  of  the  descendants  of  tlie 
Puritans. 

These  qualities  served  him  in  the  various  public  offices 
wliich  he  occupied,  and  especially  in  that  of  Mayor  of  the 
city,  where  his  services  during  periods  of  serious  troubles, 
both  national  and  local,  were  very  great. 

It  is,  however,  our  si)ecial  privilege  to  s[)eak  of  him  as  the 
representative  of  this  comi)any,  with  which  he  was  connected 
from  its  organization.  The  position  of  General  Manager 
brought  him  into  personal  relations  with  its  patrons,  as  day 
by  day  and  hour  by  hour  he  was  called  upon  to  confer  with 
them  in  rcdation  to  their  needs  and  wishes. 

This  corporation  being  the  first  of  its  kind  in  this  city,  a 
great  deal  of  explanation  was  needed  to  make  known  its  i)lans 
and  i)urposes,  and  Mr.  Tiiucoln's  patience  and  urbanity  were 
of  great  benefit. 

Always  courteous  and  attentive,  and  accessible  at  all  times, 
each  one  who  had  occasion  to  see  him  went  away  satisfied 


FREDERIC    WALKER    LINCOLN.  215 

that  everything  which  was  possible  woukl  be  done  to  pro- 
mote and  protect  his  interests ;  it  is  therefore 

Voted,  That  this  evidence  of  our  regard  and  friendship  for 
our  deceased  friend  and  brother  officer  be  made  a  part  of  our 
permanent  archives,  and  a  copy  thereof  be  forwarded  by  our 
Secretary  to  his  bereaved  family. 


216  MEMORIAL     OF 


BOSTON  SAFE   DEPOSIT   AND   TRUST  COMPANY. 


The  Directors  of  the  Boston  Safe  Deposit  &  Trust  Com- 
pany, assembled  at  their  regular  meeting,  desire  to  express 
their  sense  of  the  loss  they  have  sustained  in  the  death  of 
their  associate,  Hon.  Fkedkkic  AValker  Lincoln,  and  also 
their  appreciation  of  his  high  character. 

Mr.  Lincoln  was  President  of  the  old  corporation  of  the 
Boston  Safe  Deposit  Company  until  its  present  organization 
as  a  Trust  Company,  and  has  been  a  Director  of  the  present 
company  from  its  organization,  and  a  "Vice-President  from 
May,  1875,  to  February,  1897. 

The  Directors  realize  the  loss,  not  alone  of  an  able  and 
wise  counsellor,  but  of  one  endeared  to  them  by  the  beauty 
of  his  private  character. 

He  was  always  kind  and  sympathetic,  and  so  unselfish  in 
his  loyalty  to  the  Institution  that  he  won  and  retained  the 
affection  of  all  his  associates.  His  affable  manners,  genial 
temperament,  and  thoughtful  consideration  for  all  with  whom 
he  came  in  contact  were  marked  characteristics. 

In  his  long  and  honored  career  he  has  filled  many  offices 
of  trust  affecting  the  welfare  of  the  Commonwealth  and  the 
city  of  his  residence,  of  which  he  was  for  many  years  Mayor, 
of  j)nblic  and  private  institutions  of  philanthropy  and  relig. 
ion,  discharging  all  the  duties  of  citizenship,  and  filling 
the  measure  of  his  years  by  good  deeds. 

The  world  is  better  that  he  has  lived  in  it. 

Voteil,  That  as  a  mark  of  respect  and  affection  for  our  late 
associate  the  foregoing  minutes  be  entered  upon  the  records 
of  the  Corporation.  ;iii<l  a  copy  of  the  same  with  the  expres- 
sion of  our  sympHtliy  be  .scut  io  the  family  of  Mr.  liincoln. 


FJiEDElilC     W'ALKEli    LINCOLN.  '211 


REVERE   HOUSE. 


The  Hon.  Frederic  Walker  Lixcolx,  President  of  this 
Corporation,  died  on  Sept.  13,  1898. 

Mr.  Lincoln  had  in  high  measure  the  esteem  and  respect  of 
this  community.  He  was  an  example  of  the  good  citizen,  the 
faithful  public  servant,  the  modest,  kindly-hearted  Christian 
gentleman.  He  was  interested  in  all  that  contributed  to  the 
adornment,  the  dignity,  and  historical  renown  of  this  city,  of 
which  he  held  the  chief  magistracy  for  a  longer  period  than 
any  other  incumbent  of  the  office. 

Descended  from  the  distinguished  patriot  whose  name  this 
Corporation  preserves,  he  took  peculiar  pride  in  his  connec- 
tion with  it,  and  felt  a  special  satisfaction  in  its  welfare,  and 
by  his  thoughtful  and  watchful  oversight  of  its  concerns  for 
many  years  as  Director  and  President  laid  it  under  a  deep 
obligation  of  gratitude  to  him. 

We  shall  miss  him  at  our  meetings,  but  shall  treasure  his 
memory,  and  while  we  mourn  his  loss,  we  bear  our  tribute  to 
his  uprightness,  his  courtesy,  and  his  fidelity,  and  tender  to 
his  surviving  family  our  sympathy  in  their  bereavement. 

A  true  copy  of  resolutions  adopted  at  the  Annual  .Meeting 
of  the  Proprietors  of  the  Kevere  House,  March  7,  189*.). 


^ 


^:;:;i'.i^^ 


al'lfe 


fi'Mii 


''■■'"■■' ■^iiiiif 


:!;::;ii|;|||||ii 


